Photo: Daimler Global Press

Mercedes AMG DTM tests six young drivers in Jerez

Mercedes AMG participated in the ‘Young Driver Tests’ taking place this week at Jerez de la Frontera, giving six upcoming drivers the opportunity to sample the C63 DTM.

Former McLaren Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen was present in Southern Spain to test for the Stuttgart manufacturer. The Dane, who is in search of a drive for 2016, was impressed by the performance of his first ever touring car: “The DTM is a completely new experience for me. So far, I’ve always driven single-seaters. Consequently, it was a totally new experience to test a touring car. The car has very high downforce and much more grip than you would expect. I can imagine that racing in one of these cars is really enjoyable.”

Maro Engel, who raced for the Stuttgart manufacturer in the series between 2008 and 2011, and who has competed in GTs since, was able to experience the difference four years make: “It was marvellous to be driving a current DTM car again after an absence of four years and to see the advances that the DTM has made in the meantime. I’m very impressed. The test was a lot of fun and was definitely a great experience. I enjoyed every lap in the car and got more and more accustomed to it with every lap.”

2013 European Formula 3 champion Raffaele Marciello had his second test at the wheel of a Mercedes AMG DTM car. The young Italian, whose racing experience is with single seaters, enjoyed his outing in Jerez: “I haven’t been to Jerez before, but I like the track a lot. It was a bit difficult getting used to the car at first, but it was nice to feel so much downforce and be able to go to the limit on every lap without worrying about excessive wear on the tyres.”

Formula Renault 3.5 driver Jazeman Jaafar enjoyed his time at the wheel of the C63 DTM, and is hopeful of having more opportunities to drive the car: “It was a very special day for me to be allowed to drive a DTM car bearing the Mercedes-Benz badge. It was most enjoyable. The downforce and also the way the team work are very special. I completed my programme and learned a lot in the process. Hopefully, I can have similar experiences more often.”

Formula 3 driver Mikkel Jensen was invited by the 3-point star manufacturer to Jerez. The former Formula ADAC champion was impressed by the performance of a DTM car: “This was my first time out in a DTM car and my first drive ever at the wheel of such a powerful car. Everything was new to me, but I got used to it quite quickly and had a lot of fun. Many thanks to the Mercedes-AMG DTM Team for giving me this opportunity. I hope I can get to drive it again soon.”

Marvin Kirchhöfer was the sixth driver invited by Mercedes to Jerez. The GP3 driver was grateful to Mercedes AMG for the opportunity: “This DTM test was a very interesting and new experience for me. It was extremely enjoyable to drive the car. Obviously, I first had to get used to the handling, but that got better as the day progressed. I am very grateful to Mercedes-Benz for giving me this opportunity, and I hope that I’ll be able to build on it in future.”

Ulrich Fritz, Head of Mercedes AMG DTM, had high praises for all the drivers involved, given the quality of their work this week: “All the drivers with us this week performed magnificently and worked very well with our engineers.”

Mercedes AMG is expected to retain the majority of its DTM line up for 2016, although 2015 champion Pascal Wehrlein could move to Formula 1 next year.