Marco Wittmann to have F1 test with Toro Rosso

It has been an amazing year for Marco Wittmann. In his only second season with BMW in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters he produced four victories and two podiums in order to become the youngest ever German DTM drivers’ champion. After such an impressive show, BMW has renewed his contract for a further season but, as an ultimate prize, the Bavarian manufacturer has arranged an F1 test with Toro Rosso, so Wittmann can fulfil another dream.

The 24-year-old from BMW Team RMG has been with the manufacturer for three years now, 2012 as a reserve and development driver, making his competition debut in 2013. Last year, he was eighth overall in the drivers’ standings but, more importantly, Rookie of the Year. This year, he clinched the title with still two races to the end of the season.

The first consequence of the talent shown by Wittmann has been the extension of his contract as a BMW works driver for another year. Motorsport Director Jens Marquard was full of praise last night: “Marco Wittmann has an extraordinary season behind him, in which he has given BMW Motorsport an awful lot of pleasure. It is now our turn to reward him for his efforts. The contract renewal for the coming season is a logical step for us, as he has consistently impressed us in the three years he has been working with us within the DTM, both on and off the track.”

But the icing on the cake for Wittmann has been the confirmation of a test in a Formula One car, with young talent scout Scuderia Toro Rosso. Marquardt added: “BMW M GmbH has come up with something very special. I am delighted that we can also make Marco’s childhood dream come true with the Formula One test. Thanks to the relationship we enjoy with our premium partner Red Bull, it was possible for us to organise a test drive in the Toro Rosso. We are excited to see how he fares in this car.”

Marco Wittmann was very pleased with what awaits him in the near future: “The entire season has been incredible. After all, coming into the opening race of the season here in Hockenheim, I never believed I would be standing here in the same place as the DTM champion. And then to have my contract as a BMW works driver renewed and receive a Formula One test, that is a dream come true for me.  The test in the Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 car will definitely be an amazing experience.”