DTM: Senna tests with Mercedes

After missing out on a race drive in F1, Bruno Senna continues to a variety of machinery ahead of the new season.
 

After getting to grips with a Courage-Oreca LMP1 car in Paul Ricard two weeks ago, Senna added DTM to his experience bank today as he took part in his first test for Mercedes Benz. Bruno’s initiation in the technology used in the world’s most high tech touring car championship came as he drove a 2008 AMG Mercedes Benz C Class for the German manufacturer.
 

The venue was Hockenheim in Germany, a circuit Bruno knows only briefly from his successful GP2 season on 2008 but a regular port of call for DTM regulars. The test was organised by Mercedes Benz aiming to give Bruno the chance to evaluate a new discipline whilst at the same time having the chance to look more closely at 2008 GP2 race winner and championship runner up.
 

For Bruno, testing the DTM Mercedes has proven to be another chapter in his short career and could well provide valuable additional experience on his journey to F1. "The test will continue for a second day, after which we will have the opportunity to discuss the future with Mercedes Benz motorsport vice-president Norbert Haug. It has been fun so far and I have enjoyed getting onto the pace quite quickly in this car. I don’t underestimate the level of competition in the DTM though. It is a great series, high profile and good wheel to wheel racing”, pointed out.

"There is much to discuss but that close racing and focus on outright speed in this category could suit me very well and could certainly be one new experience that can add value to my career as I aim for F1 in the future”, concluded.
 

Haug is keen to stress that this test does not indicate that Bruno Senna will race in this year’s DTM championship. However, it is an opportunity for the German manufacturer to assess the possibility of including Bruno in the Mercedes Benz family at some point in the future.
 

"Today, Bruno Senna got his first whiff of DTM air and he enjoyed it,” said Haug. "He’ll be testing again tomorrow and then we’ll all sit down and decide what happens next.”