Mercedes Reveals Full 2011 DTM Lineup

Less than a month before the season opening round of the 2011 DTM Series, reigning champions Mercedes-Benz have unveiled their full drivers lineup for the campaign to come. After yesterday confirming former F1 racers David Coulthard and Ralf Schumacher for another year, today the German manufacturers announced that two new drivers will debut in the DTM on board of 2008-spec C-Klasse AMGs.

Following the departures of Paul di Resta (reigning DTM champion who moved to F1 with Force India) and Congfu Cheng, Merc decided to give two young guns the opportunity to race in the series. Christian Vietoris will drive for Junge Sterne AMG Mercedes in 2011, while 25-year old Renger van der Zande will compete under the stern AMG Mercedes entry.

“The switch from a single seater to a touring car is a huge challenge, but I feel I have adjusted quickly to the C-Klasse during the tests and settled in well,” said Vietoris, who will alternate his DTM outings this season with participations in the GP2 Series.

“DTM is one of the most prestigious racing series in the world. I would like to continue along my learning curve and be successful in my debut season.”

Having been part of Mercedes-Benz' young driver scheme between 2006 and 2009, Van der Zande will switch from GP3 to DTM in 2011, aiming to establish himself as a long-time driver for the German marque in the series.

“Obtaining a DTM cockpit with Mercedes-Benz is a dream come true. I know that I face a big challenge, but I will be doing my very best to acclimatize myself to DTM racing and to master the stern AMG Mercedes C-Class in the fastest possible time,” said the Dutch racer.

Apart from the two rookie drivers, David Coulthard (Deutsche Post AMG Mercedes), Susie Stoddart (TV Spielfilm AMG Mercedes) and Maro Engel (GQ AMG Mercedes) will also drive 2008-spec Mercs in the 2011 DTM.

Another important change in Mercedes-Benz' DTM lineup regards the promotion of Jamie Green to factory HWA driver, joining Gary Paffett, Bruno Spengler and Ralf Schumacher. He will therefore make a return to the marque's premier lineup after being demoted to drive a one-year old car back in 2009.

After having scored wins in consecutive seasons at the wheel of one-year old C-Klasse AMGs, Green proved his worth and showed Mercedes that he deserves another shot at stardom in the constructor's works lineup. He will replace departed Paul di Resta.

“It's a great feeling to know that Mercedes has decided to reward my efforts in recent years, including those victories at the Norisring and my performance as best driver in a year-old car in 2009 and 2010,” he said. “I'm aiming to repay the confidence shown in me by giving me a current C-class by turning in some good results this year.”