Photo: Mercedes Media

Mercedes signs Merhi, Vietoris and Wickens

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Mercedes has signed Roberto Merhi, Christian Vietoris and Robert Wickens for the 2012 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters as a part of their junior programme.
“In 2012, we are sending three highly gifted twenty-somethings into the fray as our DTM Junior Team: Roberto Merhi, the reigning Formula 3 Euro Series champion; Christian Vietoris, a GP2 champion who already has experience of DTM racing; and Robert Wickens who won the Renault World Series. All three of them are keen to seize this wonderful opportunity,” said Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.

Multiple F1 champion Michael Schumacher is going to act as role model and mentor for the Junior Team.
“I remember clearly the early stages of my career, and what I gained from my time in the Mercedes-Benz Junior Team – both on and off the track. It taught me the best way of working with the engineers and helped me build a professional relationship to the media. I’m excited to see how Christian, Roberto and Robert develop – they’re certainly going to have a great time – and I enjoyed meeting them in Barcelona to offer a few tips from my own experience,” said Schumacher.

While Vietoris has raced in the DTM before, last season with four points and fifth as best result, Merhi and Wickens are new to the championship.
“The DTM is a fantastic series – you’re competing against top-notch drivers. I’m proud that Mercedes-Benz are giving me the chance to show what I am capable of in this environment in the Junior Team. My main aim will be to finish every race and to deliver decent performances,” said Wickens.
“It’s a dream come true for me to have been promoted to the Mercedes-Benz DTM Junior Team. Having a Mercedes-Benz Junior Team in the DTM is a fabulous idea, and it’s the perfect way for me to advance my career. Without this talent development scheme which Mercedes-Benz have been running successfully for so many years, I wouldn’t be where I am now,” said Merhi.

The announcement of the three drivers also mean that last year’s Mercedes drivers Renger van der Zande and Maro Engel have been left outside the Mercedes DTM programme.