DTM – Ralf Schumacher turns the page, Pascal Wehrlein replaces him

All right than previously announced, Ralf Schumacher will not participate in the 2013 season of DTM. The brother of the seven-time world champion Formula 1 has just been replaced at Mercedes by Pascal Wehrlein, who is also German. At the same time, the latter will become the youngest driver in the history of the discipline since he will be 18 years and 188 days old when he makes his debut at Hockenheimn, the opening round of the season. “It’s a dream come true, my promotion to DTM,” comments the young German. “What is particularly good is that I will be starting in DTM with RSC Mücke Motorsport. I already know the team of Peter Mücke and Ralf Schumacher having raced with them in Formula Adac and later in Formula 3 Euro Series. Working together has always gone well and I can't wait to get down to business. »

For his part, the former Formula 1 driver does not completely break with the DTM and remains a full member of the Mercedes family. Ralf Schumacher becomes a shareholder of the RSC Mücke Motorsport team and will have the mission of training his replacement as well as Daniel Juncadella, another rookie defending the colors of the star manufacturer this year. “ I have been thinking over the last few weeks about a good compromise regarding my future and I have come to the conclusion that I will be much better at supporting the important changes at Mercedes in DTM by fulfilling the role of manager rather than behind the wheel. ?an AMG Mercedes C-Coupé, explains the former pilot Williams, author of six victories in Formula 1.

“I had discussions with Toto wolff and Gerhard Ungar to ask them to put an end to my career as a pilot and to concentrate on my new mission. We have a lot of young and up-and-coming talent in our driver contingent and I'm happy to give them my place. This represents an exciting challenge for me, to help the best young drivers with my knowledge and expertise, and I hope to see them have successful careers?, concludes Ralf Schumacher.