Heidfeld, Glock Close to Drive for Mercedes in DTM Opener

The cloud of volcanic ash nearly affected the season opening round of the DTM series this weekend, scheduled to take place at the famous Hockenheim circuit. We're talking from Mercedes-Benz' standpoint, whose drivers lineup includes two test drivers from the Formula One teams: Paul di Resta (Force India Mercedes) and Gary Paffett (McLaren Mercedes).

The two British drivers traveled with their teams to China for last weekend's race at Shanghai, and their arrival back in Germany was in doubt due to the European air travel disruptions caused by the volcanic ash. The incertitude led the Mercedes officials to look for other options for this weekend's race, namely Nick Heidfeld and Timo Glock.

Heidfeld is currently test driver for Mercedes GP in Formula One, while Virgin Racing's Glock has close ties with the DTM backer Deutsche Post. Both were part of a lucky pack of drivers who managed to get an early flight out of China following last weekend's F1 grand prix.

“We did not know when they (Paffett and di Resta) would come back. There was definitely the possibility that Nick and Timo would have driven the cars," Norbert Haug is quoted as saying by motorsport-total.com.

“On Monday afternoon, no one could tell us whether we are flying on Thursday, Friday or Saturday,” added Haug, who was himself held up in China with Mercedes' F1 team.

Needless to say, everything worked out fine for the Mercedes organization, as both Di Resta and Paffett arrived in Germany “earlier than anticipated” and quickly resumed their activity prior to the start of the DTM season.