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Ralf Schumacher Gets New Mercedes C-Klasse for 2009

Ralf Schumacher is expected to boost his performances inside the DTM this year, as Mercedes-Benz have confirmed that the series' sophomore will be driving a 2009-spec C-Klasse in 2009. After spending the 2008 season getting used to the championship's rules and format in a one-year old Mercedes, Schumacher will now have the chance to show what he's really made of in the DTM.

The former F1 driver only managed to score points on two occasions through 2008, at Nurburgring and Barcelona, having to settle for 14th place overall at the end of the season.

"After only one year with last year’s car I now change to the up-to-date Mercedes-Benz C-Class. A great chance for me. It was clear for all of us that 2008 would be a learning year for me, therefore I am satisfied with my achievements. The 2009 C-Class is a big chance for me and I want to justify the trust Mercedes-Benz put in me with good results. In my opinion, the DTM is the best touring car series in the world. Here we fight hard for every metre and every tenth of a second,” said Schumacher when announcing his new “ride” this season.

Mercedes-Benz' motorsport director Norbert Haug also commented that, given the new circumstances, Schumacher can only grow in the DTM. He argued that most F1 drivers are finding it hard to adapt in the DTM as start, but eventually improve their performances in the years to come.

“During the last season, Ralf Schumacher demonstrated that he was racing in the DTM with all his heart and that, after his Formula 1 career, he does not consider touring car racing a challenge which he has yet finished,” said Haug.

“His learning year was good for him and for the DTM. The racing series again showed that even a world class driver with Formula 1 victories to his credit cannot come straight in and compete against the front runners. Nevertheless, Ralf became one of the most popular drivers already in his debut year and was in the focus of the interest from the beginning to the end,” added the Mercedes official.
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