2007 DTM Champion Mattias Ekstrom has followed in the wheeltracks of team-mate Tom Kristensen by taking to the controls of an Audi R8 – only not quite the same type as that with which the Dane has five times triumphed in the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours.

The Swede – now a two-time DTM champ following his previous success in 2004 – received his new road-going R8 from Jorg Felske, Head of Sales Germany at AUDI AG, in the Audi Forum Neckarsulm the day after the series' end-of-season party. The powerful 420bhp machine is liveried in blue-and-silver, to match his title-winning A4.

“It's not just the colour scheme that reminds me of my Red Bull Audi A4 from the DTM,” commented 29-year-old Ekstrom. “The Audi R8 is a fascinating sportscar which is great fun to drive. After I was allowed to drive an R8 from Lake Constance to Sweden in the summer it was clear to me – such a thing must be in my garage!

“I just hope I don't collect too many points for the championship in Flensburg with the R8…”