DTM

Brits to star for Mercedes in DTM assault

We're counting down to the new German DTM Championship.

Auto Express Car Reviews

18th March 2008

The German DTM championship is ready to blast off after Mercedes announced its 2008 line-up.

The squad, beaten to last year’s title by Audi, has boosted its 2008 chances by recruiting nine drivers – including four British stars. McLaren F1 tester and 2005 DTM champ Gary Paffett is joined by Scottish ace Susie Stoddart, ex- F3 racers Jamie Green and Paul di Resta, four-time title holder Bernd Schneider, plus Bruno Spengler, Mathias Lauda, Maro Engel and grand prix refugee Ralf Schumacher.

However, Formula 3 champ, 25-year-old Green, is to lead the way in a 2008-spec C-Class, having won the last two races of 2007. “I want to start the season exactly as I finished the last one, then fight for the championship,” he said.

Di Resta – 21-year-old nephew of Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti – will also have a 2008 car, after his impressive debut last year. “Four podium positions and seven places in the points in 10 races isn’t bad,” he said. “But I can improve.”

Mercedes Motorsport boss Nor-bert Haug added, “Last year, we took 60 per cent of points positions. I am sure we will be at an even higher level this season.” The action starts on 6 April in Dusseldorf, Germany.