DTM:Ekstrom: Paffett can win in old car

[Plex]

Former DTM champion Mattias Ekstrom believes that Gary Paffett is capable of winning races in a 2006-spec car this season.

The Swede battled Paffett for the title during 2004 and 2005, and is expecting the Mercedes driver to be mixing it with newer cars throughout this season.

"I won't be surprised if Gary is going to be around us at the front fighting for good finishes and race wins," Ekstrom told autosport.com.

"Gary is one of those guys who belongs in the DTM. I'm sure he will be quick, I have no doubts. I know he is fast, but how fast we will have to wait and see."

Paffett left the DTM at the end of 2005 after defeating Ekstrom in a title battle that went to the final round in Hockenheim, but he will have to drive a year-old car for his return to the series this year.

Ekstrom will remain a part of the Abt Sportsline squad in one of the latest-spec Audi A4s, and the 2004 champion is predicting a season that will be wide open at the front.

"Everybody can win," he added. "That's what makes the DTM so special. It will be a hard battle this season."

Autosport