Mercedes-Benz has announced that Lucas Auer will move up to the DTM this season, with the 20-year-old moving up from the FIA Formula 3 European Championship.
Auer, who will join fellow DTM rookie Maximilian Götz at the German manufacturer, moves up to the series after two seasons in F3, with the Austrian previously driving for Prema Powerteam and Mücke Motorsport in the series, with both teams running the Mercedes engine.
Over those two years Auer won four races, achieved 22 podiums and twice finished fourth in the championship. At the end of last season he got the opportunity to test the Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM as a reward for his performance.
“Joining the DTM is an important step in my career. I’m really proud to be part of the Mercedes family,” said Auer, who will become the 17th driver to move up to DTM after competing in F3 with a Mercedes engine. “Testing towards the end of last year in Jerez de la Frontera was a fantastic experience. I can’t wait to get back in the car and continue preparations for my DTM debut.
“I would never have thought it a year ago. I realise that it won’t be an easy task. The DTM is a top-class racing series with formidable opponents, but I’m willing to learn and ready to embark on this adventure. I intend to grab this chance at Mercedes Benz with both hands.”
Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, commented: “Lucas Auer has earned this opportunity with his performance in recent years. Our involvement in Formula 3 has enabled many drivers in the past to show that they are ready for the DTM, including Christian Vietoris and Pascal Wehrlein.
“We are continuing with our philosophy of giving young racing talent a chance to move up to the DTM and it is now apparent that both the Customer Sports Programme and Formula 3 can lead to that objective, as evidenced by Maximilian Götz and Lucas Auer. It’s all down in the end to the driver’s strength of purpose, his level of commitment and performance.”
The 2015 DTM season starts in Hockenheim on May 3.