British DTM driver and McLaren tester Gary Paffett is the latest high profile driver to be added to the list of those set to star at Autosport International, the 31-year-old added to schedule for January 13 – the final day of the 2013 show at Birmingham NEC.
After a single seater career in which Paffett won the McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award for 1999 Paffett joined the DTM for Mercedes in 2003. In the following seasons Paffett has become one of the leading drivers in the championship, winning the championship 2005. Last season he nearly added a second DTM title to his CV, falling just six points short in losing out to Bruno Spengler.
His career with Mercedes Paffett has become one of the longest serving test driver in Formula One, having joined the McLaren squad in his DTM championship year.
In being confirmed for January’s show he joins a long list of some of the top British drivers in international and national competition. Gordon Shedden and Rob Huff, both new champions in their respective series will also attend the event, as will Paffett’s fellow DTM champion Paul di Resta, the Scot now reflecting on two seasons with Force India and preparing for a third year in F1.
From outside the touring car sphere the Autosport International field is led by three-time F1 champion Jackie Stewart who is also being honoured by a display charting his career in F1 at the show. Multiple Le Mans winners Allan McNish and Derek Bell will represent the world of sportscars at the event.
Adult tickets for the public days of the show (January 12-13) are available at £31 for adults and £20 for children – under-fives enter for free.
