Maro Engel looking forward to a new chapter in the DTM

Maro Engel returns to the DTM this season with Mercedes AMG, and he has good expectations for his second foray in the series.

The German driver, who scored an important victory for Mercedes AMG at the Nürburgring 24 Hours last year, will drive a C63 DTM managed by Team HWA, paired with championship contender Paul Di Resta at the team

Engel is aware that the stakes are high this season, with Mercedes AMG having had to consider carefully their driver line-up after the teams downsized to six cars for 2017.

The German’s best result in his previous DTM leg was a 6th position in Hockenheim back in 2009. “For me it’s important to get the maximum out of my car together with my mechanics and engineers every weekend. That’s the aim and will try to score points at every occasion. Obviously, if there is more possible, like a podium or a win, we will take it for sure” said Maro Engel.

During his previous stint in the DTM, Engel raced for Mücke Motorsport in a Mercedes C-Class of the previous specification. 2017 brings a new set of technical regulations, with the manufacturers and drivers starting the year from a clean slate. Engel thinks this will make things better for him, compared with his previous experience.

“For me it’s great to have the same spec material as my team-mates, we have a completely open policy about sharing data, sharing the set-ups, so that’s a great difference from when I used to drive before, so I’m looking forward to that.”

Competition in the DTM is tough, with the field usually within a second in qualifying. Maro Engel believes his previous experience is a good preparation for the challenge ahead. “It’s great to have that experience, I did four years in the past, so I know what to expect from DTM. I know it’s a tough championship, and I know many colleagues that were in DTM back then and are here still now, so it’s going to be ok” concluded Engel.