Mercedes AMG completes first successful test with the new C63 DTM

Mercedes AMG took to the track for the first time this year with the new version of the C63 DTM this week in Monteblanco. Along with their rivals in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, the Stuttgart manufacturer completed three days of intensive testing at the Spanish track.

Mercedes took two units of the new car, with Robert Wickens and Christian Vietoris on driving duties for the first day, and Paul Di Resta and Gary Paffett taking over on Wednesday.

The quartet managed to complete nearly 1,800 kilometres in Monteblanco, despite Paffett hitting technical issues on both days.

The Mercedes drivers had a positive evaluation of the new C63 DTM after its on track debut, with Paul Di Resta thinking the team has made significant progress to be able to make the most of the next tests: “We learned a lot about the car and I will be leaving Monteblanco with a good feeling. We definitely made a step forward over the last few days. Now I’m looking forward to the next test in Hockenheim. It is going to be interesting to drive the car on a track we know so well.”

Ulrich Fritz, Head of Mercedes AMG DTM, was satisfied with the progress made and felt the team is heading in the right direction with the new car: “We’re generally satisfied with the test. We completed most of our test programme and gained some important insights. Seeing the cars back out on track obviously makes your spirits soar in anticipation of the season opener. We certainly still have plenty of work ahead of us, but the whole team is really champing at the bit to get the season started.”

Next for the DTM are the collective official ITR tests, to be held in Hockenheim from the 5th to the 8th of April.