DTM: Ralf heads to DTM

[Rory Phoulorie]

Tuesday 19th February 2008

Mercedes-Benz have confirmed that Ralf Schumacher has clinched a DTM drive for this season.

Ralf, whose 11-year F1 career came to an end last year when he parted ways with Toyota, tested a Mercedes-Benz DTM at Estoril in Portugal in January.

However, it wasn't until Monday that Mercedes-Benz announced that Ralf had signed a one-year deal to race the Trilux AMG Mercedes C-class in the German touring car Championship.

"With the attitude Ralf showed during the tests and in our conversations, I am convinced that the DTM will experience a new driver - with skills, concentration and who has everything to inspire both the crowd and his team," said motorsport boss Norbert Haug.

Ralf, too, is hoping the DTM series will yield the sort of success he always wanted but never achieved in Formula One.

"During my last three years in Formula One, I didn't have much success," the 32-year-old German said.

"It almost sounded strange to me when Norbert Haug mentioned that just before this time I had managed to win two grands prix in eight days.

"I am still the same Ralf as at those times, the same racer who has fun in motor sports and who wants to compete with the best.

"Now I am able to do so in the DTM. I already know most of my future competitors, but I don't expect them to let me pass."

Planet F1

[Plex]

This should be interesting.