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Coulthard, Schumacher Extend Mercedes Deals in DTM

David Coulthard and Ralf Schumacher have both renewed their contracts with Mercedes-Benz in the DTM series, as confirmed by the German car maker earlier today.

Coulthard, who is also an F1 commentator for BBC this year, made his debut in the series last year, attracting sponsorship from Deutsche Post. His performances at the wheel of a one-year old Mercedes C-Klasse AMG were not bad at all, as he scored his best race finish in the season finale at Shanghai. Aside from recording the fastest lap of the race, he also crossed the finish line in 8th place, grabbing his first and only point of the campaign.

For 2011, DC will continue to drive an old-spec C-Klasse AMG, prepared by Team Mucke Motorsport. Nevertheless, the Scot is more than happy to continue his adventure in the DTM series with Mercedes.

I’m very pleased to be contesting the DTM series once more in 2011 for Mercedes-Benz. My year of apprenticeship is over - now I'm looking to make some real progress,” said Coulthard. “I learnt a lot last year, and have laid good foundations for my second season. After gaining my first DTM point at the final race of the season in Shanghai in 2010, I would like to make my fans happier this season by scoring points more often.”

As far as Schumacher goes, Michael's younger brother will be tackling his 4th consecutive season in the German series alongside Mercedes-Benz, but this will be his first campaign under the wings of new sponsor Salzgitter.

I really like being a part of DTM and the Mercedes-Benz family. Subtle nuances are important in this hard-fought series. If you can just improve the car’s setup by a fraction, then you can reduce your lap times significantly,” said the 35-year old driver.

After three years in the DTM and two seasons with the HWA team, I feel at ease in the AMG Mercedes C-Class and I’m ready, together with my new sponsor Salzgitter, to make the next move in my fourth DTM season.”

Needless to say, Merc's motorsport director was more than happy to bring the fans the news, especially since both Schumacher and Coulthard are fan magnets in the series.

We’ve got two of the DTM fans’ favourites, David and Ralf, in our team again for 2011. David adjusted quickly to DTM racing and improved continually during his first season – finally securing his first point and posting the fastest lap time in Shanghai. I trust that he will continue to improve in his second DTM season,” said Haug.

It’s Ralf’s fourth DTM year and he’s already got a lot of DTM experience, and I’m certain that he can do even better. Ralf’s pole position at the Norisring proves that he’s got the potential.
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