Search Enterprise or @FordOnline
Please remove special characters
Popular Terms & Topics:
Ford Speak CDSID Book Travel Reset Password Employee Resource Groups Ford Performance
Popular Tools & Resources:
My Ford Benefits (U.S.)
U.S. Retirees
Life@Ford
Policy Portal
Onsite Tool
Photos & Videos
AXZ Vehicle Discounts
Coursera

Mastering the Racing Line: I Drove the Mustang GTD on Track

Jun 01, 2026
  • Click to Enlarge
    2026 Ford Mustang GTD at the Salzburgring driven by Matthias Ekström
1/4

SALZBURG, Austria – What’s it like pushing Ford’s supercharged V8 Mustang GTD to the limit on a racetrack? Ford M-Sport’s Mattias Ekström did just that at the Ready Set Ford event in Austria two weeks ago. Here, the two-time Dakar podium finisher, two-time former DTM champion, four-time winner of Race of Champions and former FIA World Rallycross champion, explains in his own words what makes this car so special, and how he attacks a hot lap.

“So here we are at the Salzburgring in Austria, with the keys to an 826 PS Mustang GTD and a clear track ahead. What’s the secret to being quick as well as staying in control?

“The Mustang GTD has all the right attributes for the demands of the track — engaging Track mode gives us sharper throttle response while the stability and traction control are reduced, giving us more freedom but with a safety net, just in case. The semi-active suspension is also lowered and stiffened up, which is exactly what we want on track.

2026 Ford Mustang GTD at the Salzburgring driven by M. Ekström (B-Roll):

“Whatever the shape or radius of a corner, it can be broken down into three key points; turn-in, apex and exit. By the time you reach turn-in, you should have finished braking — or at least be rolling off the brakes as you turn the wheel. This keeps the weight towards the front wheels where you need the most grip.

“As you aim for the apex — effectively the halfway point of the corner — you need a balanced throttle to keep the car balanced too, maintaining its speed until you start to exit. It’s tempting to accelerate early to give you more speed down the next straight but do this too early and you’ll need to back off again. Getting the timing of your acceleration right is crucial.

Click to Enlarge

“As you head for the exit and begin to accelerate, quick but progressive acceleration is key. Push too hard and the rear wheels will start to slide — definitely fun, but not the fastest way. Get it right and you can be at full throttle as you exit, straightening the wheel to open out the turn and let the wheels devote all the available grip to pushing you on

“That’s just the very basics, and there are so many nuances beyond this, never mind the fact that every corner on every circuit is different, with its own quirks and nuances even before you take into account the track condition and weather.

“It’s this endless variation that makes every corner of every lap an adventure — the pure challenge of getting through as quickly and cleanly as you can. Tracks like the Salzburgring have this variety of corners to really challenge you and the car, a challenge that the Mustang GTD handles brilliantly.

“I’ve probably completed thousands of laps of dozens of circuits around the world in my career, and it still gives me a buzz that can’t be beaten. It’s just you and your machine against the track and the stopwatch.”

See More

Your overview of News and Stories