DTM – Mercedes confirms four of its six drivers for 2018

The day after the announcement of the withdrawal of Maro Engel of the German Touring Car Championship (DTM), Mercedes has confirmed the first four drivers defending its interests for the 2018 season, the last for the Étoile brand before its withdrawal from the discipline.

For now, the German brand is banking on stability, with the road captain Gary Paffett, leading figure of Mercedes for 15 years in DTM (champion in 2005). “We worked hard with the engineers during the offseason. They are all that is most concentrated and we would like to conclude the manufacturer's adventure in DTM on a positive note. » The Briton finished the 2017 season in 10th place in the general classification.

his compatriot Paul di Resta, another Mercedes badged driver, approaches this campaign with a touch of nostalgia. “It's a little sad to think that this will be the end of an era for Mercedes in the DTM, but every member of the team has extra motivation. I have been a member of the team for four years now (after a first period between 2007 and 2010 with a title), I hope that my teammates and I can give good results. »

The squad of drivers for the 2018 @DTM season is is slowly taking shape as four out of the six drivers are now confirmed! # DTM2018 #DTM pic.twitter.com/Qj3VRe8IHx

— Mercedes-AMG DTM (@MercedesAMGDTM) February 7, 2018

These two experienced men (36 and 31 years old) will be supported by lucas auer and Edoardo Mortara. The first named finished the 2017 financial year as the best Mercedes representative (6th, three victories) at only 23 years old. “2017 was a great year, and I have high expectations for 2018. It will be interesting to see my progress curve. Those close to me know that I like to drive anything with four wheels in winter, but now I feel ready for the first tests. »

Edward Mortara will try to use his experience of GT3 racing and Formula e (Venturi driver) to do better than 14th place overall, for his debut with Mercedes in the DTM. “I learned a lot last year. We missed a few points along the way, but we got back on track over the last few weekends. I didn’t have a crazy season, so I hope to do much better in 2018.” The two remaining places will be allocated in the coming days.