Mattias Ekström’s hopes of becoming the Race of Champions’ winningest Champion of Champions will have to wait another year. An illness he contracted during last week’s Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is still persisting, keeping him from taking part.

Ekström fell sick prior to Stage #2 of the ADDC, and was able to finish 12th in Ultimate despite his condition worsening throughout the day. He was too sick to continue after that and pulled out before the next day’s action. Prior to his exit, he was sitting 12th overall and in class with a sixth in the Prologue and 11th in Stage #1.

“It is with a heavy heart that I need to withdraw from Race Of Champions 2025,” wrote Ekström. “I was really looking forward to racing in Sydney, but unfortunately, I’m still not fit enough to be able to compete at the highest level. I wish everyone a great race in Sydney and may the best champion win!”

His absence means he will not be able to compete for a fifth title in the individual tournament. Ekström is the defending winner after beating Mick Schumacher in the final in 2023. Prior victories came in 2006, 2007, and 2009. He also won the Nations Cup for Team Scandinavia alongside Tom Kristensen in 2005.

Supercars Championship regular Chaz Mostert was selected to be his replacement for ROC, teaming up with rallycross legend Johan Kristoffersson. Since they are of different nationalities, Team Sweden was changed to Team All-Stars.

Fellow W2RC driver Sébastien Loeb, on the other hand, has an opportunity to break his tie with Ekström and Didier Auriol for Team France. Australia’s Toby Price and Molly Taylor are also among the rally raiders taking part.

The Race of Champions will take place this weekend at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

Featured image credit: Kin Marcin / Red Bull Content Pool