Photo: Daimler AG
This year's driver lineup for the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft) is now officially complete as far as Mercedes-Benz is concerned, with no less than seven drivers to drive the DTM Mercedes-AMG C-Coupes in the 2014 season.
“The magnificent seven” comprise of two former DTM champions, one ex-Formula 1 driver and four young guns who used to be called Mercedes juniors until last year.
Paul Di Resta is returning to DTM this year after a short stint in Formula 1 and will be once again driving for Mercedes-Benz, the team with which he won the DTM championship in 2010.
“Much has altered since my last DTM race in Shanghai in 2010, but one thing remains unchanged, my thirst for success,” said Di Resta. “I look forward to working with everyone in the Mercedes-Benz DTM team, with whom I am now back in the title hunt.”
The second former DTM champion is Gary Paffett, who is the driver with most race wins under this belt in the current series.
“I can’t wait for the new season to commence,” said Paffett. “Pre-season preparations have gone very well for us so far. Now I can hardly wait for the season opener at Hockenheim and to be finally back in contention for points after the long winter.”
Ex-Formula 1 driver Vitaly Petrov is the first Russian to enter the DTM championship, where he will race a Mercedes-AMG C-Coupe on a number of European tracks, including his home circuit – the Moscow Raceway.
“I’m aware that I have a steep learning curve ahead of me, but I love challenges and accept it willingly,” said Petrov. “I was able to get a feel for the car on my first test, which is very important for me in order to play to my strengths.”
The four younger drivers are represented by Christian Vietoris, who was the best placed Mercedes-Benz driver at the end of the 2013 season, Roberth Wickens – one of three DTM race winners in the lineup - Daniel Juncadella, who will also perform test driving for the Sahara Force India Formula 1 team when time permits and Pascal Wehriein, who is the youngest ever DTM driver.
The 2014 DTM season starts on May 4th in Hockenheim, and Mercedes-Benz is hungry for a title after the last championship left a bit to be desired in terms of performance.
Paul Di Resta is returning to DTM this year after a short stint in Formula 1 and will be once again driving for Mercedes-Benz, the team with which he won the DTM championship in 2010.
“Much has altered since my last DTM race in Shanghai in 2010, but one thing remains unchanged, my thirst for success,” said Di Resta. “I look forward to working with everyone in the Mercedes-Benz DTM team, with whom I am now back in the title hunt.”
The second former DTM champion is Gary Paffett, who is the driver with most race wins under this belt in the current series.
“I can’t wait for the new season to commence,” said Paffett. “Pre-season preparations have gone very well for us so far. Now I can hardly wait for the season opener at Hockenheim and to be finally back in contention for points after the long winter.”
Ex-Formula 1 driver Vitaly Petrov is the first Russian to enter the DTM championship, where he will race a Mercedes-AMG C-Coupe on a number of European tracks, including his home circuit – the Moscow Raceway.
“I’m aware that I have a steep learning curve ahead of me, but I love challenges and accept it willingly,” said Petrov. “I was able to get a feel for the car on my first test, which is very important for me in order to play to my strengths.”
The four younger drivers are represented by Christian Vietoris, who was the best placed Mercedes-Benz driver at the end of the 2013 season, Roberth Wickens – one of three DTM race winners in the lineup - Daniel Juncadella, who will also perform test driving for the Sahara Force India Formula 1 team when time permits and Pascal Wehriein, who is the youngest ever DTM driver.
The 2014 DTM season starts on May 4th in Hockenheim, and Mercedes-Benz is hungry for a title after the last championship left a bit to be desired in terms of performance.
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