Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Mercedes-Benz



Back in the day, before Formula One drivers started trying their hand at NASCAR and the World Rally Championship - we're looking at you, Kimi - there was really just one address for retired grand prix pilots: DTM. The German racing series is king of all touring car championships, and has drawn such notables as Mika Hakkinen, Jean Alesi, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, JJ Lehto, David Coulthard and Ralf Schumacher to its ranks. While BMW is preparing to take on its arch-rivals in the series soon enough, it's Mercedes-Benz that draws the big talents. And this year looks to be no exception.

Both Ralf and DC will be back behind the wheel of the C-Class AMG- the most decorated car in the series' history - for this year's championship. And while Paul di Resta - Mercedes' reigning champion - has moved the other way up to F1 (driving for Force India this season), David and Ralf won't be the only talents hoisting the Silver Star in DTM this season.

They'll be joined by former DTM champ and perennial McLaren test driver Gary Paffett (who has more wins to his name than anyone else in the series), Canadian driver Bruno Spengler (runner-up in 2006 and 2007), emerging talents Jamie Green and Maro Engel, and newcomers Renger van der Zande and Christian Vietoris. Susie Stoddart returns as well for her sixth season in the series, joining a long line of female drivers in DTM that has included Vanina Ickx (daughter of grand prix and Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx) and England's Katherine Legge.

Last season, Mercedes managed to win nine out of eleven races and seize all three top slots in the standings by season's end to tower over the competition. Will they be able to continue the domination this year? Only time will tell, but for now you can follow the jump for the full press release, view the full roster in the gallery below, and look over the Paffett's latest DTM-spec C-Class in the pair of fresh galleries we've assembled for your viewing pleasure below.


Gallery: Gary Paffett's 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG DTM



Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz DTM driver lineup



[Source: Mercedes-Benz]Continue reading Mercedes-Benz rolls out star-studded DTM lineup

Mercedes-Benz rolls out star-studded DTM lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



Permalink | Email this | Comments

More...
Autoblog
04-07-2011 12:14 PM