Formula 1 News

Mattias Ekström beats Michael Schumacher in Race of Champions 2007 Final 

Mattias Ekström, Race of Champions winner in 2006, achieved what seemed impossible at Wembley Stadium in London yesterday, by beating the seven-times Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher in The Race of Champions 2007 final.

Mattias Ekström, said after the chequered flag: “I didn’t start off very good but it’s turned out to be a nice event. At the end of the day everybody wants to win The ROC. To come here in front of all the spectators to this nice event, for me I really enjoy it every time. I wouldn’t say it’s that easy, whether it’s seven-time Formula 1 Champion or four-time Touring Car Champion, all of the drivers are very good. If you get your rhythm going, any one of them could win. The track layout was a bit more technical this time after France last year. The first turn on the outside was really demanding.”

Michael Schumacher: “It has been truly quite a thrill! I’ve been here twice, and twice it has been a big pleasure. I wasn’t so good in the Solution F; there is something with me where I need to see my wheels! I’m no good if I don’t see them, I have been very bad in saloon cars in the past. We came here to enjoy ourselves, to be here for a good reason: for the ICM charity and finally to race. We do this as good as we can and sometimes one is better than the others. We can all live with this because it’s not a championship so there’s no pressure. This is my first time racing after my retirement. In previous years if you race F1 you have a lot of pressure. You are determined and focused and at one stage, at this time of year, I just liked to switch off. In 2004 I could do it but normally after a season I’m just empty by the end of the year. Now it’s different so I’m open for fun events such as this. I hope I get an invitation next year!”