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The youngest-ever DTM champion is returning to the fray. Pascal Wehrlein will line up again in a Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM in 2018 after two seasons in Formula 1.
The 19th season of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, since its resumption in 2000, will feature an expanded 10 rounds.
2018 will be the final season for the current 4.0 litre V8 normally-aspirated engined spectacular touring-car racing series as a brand new engine package will be introduced as a part of the Class One prospect with Japanese Super GT GT500 cars.
This year will also be the final season for Mercedes AMG in DTM after 19 years of participation due to the team switching focus to FIA Formula E from the 2019-20 season.
René Rast will be the reigning drivers’ champion, having won the title at the second Hockenheimring round of the 2017 championship. Audi will start the season as the defending Constructors’ Champion, having secured their second consecutive DTM constructor title at the same venue.
But Mercedes-AMG is determined not to leave the action with a whimper and appears delighted to welcome back the DTM champion from 2015. He will become the third winner in this season’s Mercedes-AMG Motorsport DTM line-up, alongside team-mates Gary Paffett (2005) and Paul Di Resta (2010).
“I’ve got some terrific memories of the DTM, not least because of my title win in 2015, but also because of the strong team spirit and the many amazing experiences I’ve had with the guys,” said Wehrlein.
“I’ve followed the DTM closely during my time in Formula 1 and have even been to a couple of races to see the team and support them.
“A lot has changed since my last race in the DTM season finale at Hockenheim back in 2015, but I like a challenge and can hardly wait to try out our new car on track for the first time. The first tests can’t come soon enough for me.”
During the past two seasons, Pascal has raced for both Manor Racing and the Sauber F1 Team in Formula 1. He scored the only points achieved by both outfits in his respective seasons with them.
His best result was eighth place in the 2017 Spanish Grand Prix. During this time, he also acted as official test and reserve driver to the world championship-winning Silver Arrows team of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport.
Prior to joining Formula 1, Pascal secured three wins and took six podium finishes from 38 DTM races between 2013 and 2015. “Pascal quickly established himself in the DTM and became the youngest-ever champion in the history of the series in 2015,” said head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport DTM Ulrich Fritz. “Of course, everyone in the team is really pleased that he’s returning to the DTM for our final year. He made many close friends within the squad and stayed in touch even when he was driving in Formula 1.
“A lot has changed in the DTM in recent years, for sure, with new cars, new tyres and new rules, but we’re confident that he’ll soon settle back in with his experience and commitment.
“2018 will be our final year in the DTM, but that doesn’t change anything as far as our readiness to take up the fight, our enormous team spirit and commitment are concerned. Every single member of our team, the drivers, the mechanics, the engineers and our hospitality crew are all highly motivated.
“We intend to work together in pursuit of a common goal in order to bring a positive conclusion to the final chapter of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport’s involvement in the DTM which goes back 30 years.”
Five events in Germany, five abroad – DTM is becoming somewhat more international without neglecting its German roots, according to Gerhard Berger, CEO of DTM’s umbrella organisation ITR. “With England and Italy two important markets of the premium-car manufacturers Audi, BMW and Mercedes make their comeback on the DTM calendar,” he added.
2018 DTM Calendar
Date Event
May 5/6 Hockenheim, Germany
May 19/20 Lausitz, Germany
June 2/3 Hungarorging, Hungary
June 23/24 Norisring, Germany
July 14/15 Zandvoort, The Netherlands
August 11/12 Brands Hatch, UK
August 25/26 Misano, Italy
September 8/9 Nürburgring, Germany
September 22/23 Red Bull Ring, Austria
October 13/14 Hockenheim, Germany
