The 2008 Mercedes-Benz DTM driver line-up




Mercedes officially confirmed its DTM line-up today, with Ralf Schumacher and ex-Formula Three racer Maro Engel lining up in 2007-spec cars along with former champion Gary Paffett.

As expected, Briton Paul di Resta has been moved up to a new C-Class, alongside Bernd Schneider, Bruno Spengler, and Jamie Green.

The marque will only run nine cars this year, and no two-year-old models. Instead, Susie Stoddart and Mathias Lauda will step up to 2007 machinery.

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug is confident that all the drivers on the roster have a good chance of winning races this season.

"Five of our drivers won at least one race last season," he said. "This shows that, with maximum competitiveness, there are chances to score points for all of our drivers.

"We will have a strong team again in 2008 and I'm sure the sport and the excitement of the new season will be at an even higher level."

Di Resta is relishing the opportunity to compete in a new model this year, after making his debut in a two-year-old car in 2007.

"Four podiums and seven points finishes in 10 races wasn't a bad balance for my first DTM season," he said. "I'm very happy to be a member of the HWA team now and I want to thank Mercedes for the confidence they've placed in me."

_________________


The official lubricant for all Mercedes-Benz Motorsport engines

The first official Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters test has begun. The place for the event is the Mugello-track in Italy. DTM-newcomer Maro Engel put the fastest time of the day in his 2007 specification Mercedes C-Class. The German lapped the track in 1:56.358 http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=2026

A picture of the new Audi A4 from the test:

_________________


The official lubricant for all Mercedes-Benz Motorsport engines

Not really sure of what to make of those times tbh, especially with Katherine quicker than two 08 Audi's and with Bernd over 3 seconds slower than Engel. I think the conditions might have something to do about it, or perhaps a bit of sandbagging. Susie was slowest in the second session, so hopefully there is an excuse or two perhaps!

_________________
Come On You Stones - Maidstone United FC
DTM @ Brands Hatch - 31st August 2008

The times are rather strange indeed, probably due to the damp conditions. Susie is getting used to a new chassis, so hopefully she will be up to speed come Hockenheim.

Testing times from the second session, again you can't tell much: http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=2027

_________________


The official lubricant for all Mercedes-Benz Motorsport engines

iff it were up to me... suise would always be on pole position

_________________

I would love that.

_________________


The official lubricant for all Mercedes-Benz Motorsport engines

i bet ya would.... she does however have a nice peachy bum...

_________________

The DTM boys would get distracted by that, allowing Susie to win!

_________________


The official lubricant for all Mercedes-Benz Motorsport engines