Photo: DTM Media

Mercedes AMG DTM to test rookie drivers in December

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Mercedes AMG is already preparing the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season. The three-point star manufacturer is to evaluate several drivers in Jerez at the beginning of December.

The rookie tests are the traditional kick off of the on track preseason preparations for all the manufacturers involved in the series.

According to Autosport, Mercedes is to test former Formula 1 driver Giedo Van Der Garde, who is looking to return to racing after his acrimonious split from the Sauber F1 team.

Other drivers also expected to run in a DTM car for the first time at the southern Spanish track are Formula 3 driver Jake Dennis and Formula Renault 3.5 driver Jazeman Jaafar.

Any decision on Mercedes AMG’s 2016 driver line up in the DTM depends on the 2015 champion and Stuttgart’s front runner Pascal Wehrlein, who could move towards the Manor F1 team and exit the series.

At the season finale in Hockenheim, French driver Esteban Ocon replaced sick Daniel Juncadella at the wheel of the Spaniard’s car from Team Mücke for the Friday free practice session.

Mercedes AMG will race the new revised and aerodynamically improved version of their C63 DTM next year.