Mercedes signs Vietoris and Van der Zande

Mercedes has signed the two youngsters Christian Vietoris and Renger van der Zande for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters 2011.
“DTM is one of the most prestigious racing series in the world. The switch from a single seater to a touring car is a huge challenge, but I feel I have adjusted quickly to the C-Class and settled in well with the team during the tests,” said Vietoris.

The two new drivers join regular Mercedes-drivers Gary Paffett, Bruno Spengler, Ralf Schumacher, Jamie Green, Susie Stoddart, Maro Engel and David Coulthard.

Dutchman Van der Zande took part in the GP3 series last year and has previously been in the Mercedes young driver-programme in the German, British and European Formula 3 series.

“Obtaining a DTM cockpit with Mercedes-Benz is a dream come true. I know that I face a big challenge, but I will be doing my very best to acclimatise myself to DTM racing and to master the stern AMG Mercedes C-Class in the fastest possible time,” said Van der Zande.

Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, Norbert Haug, is confident that Mercedes are able to continue their strong form in 2011.

“The 2010 DTM season was a highly successful one for our brand as well as for our teams. The new season brings a new tyre partner for the DTM series by the name of Hankook, so I’m sure that the cards will be well and truly reshuffled as a result. From our perspective, we certainly don’t have any divine right to victory and, as ever, we will have to work hard to earn every good result. Everyone in our teams is full of enthusiasm for the challenge ahead,” said Haug.