The big news of the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) summer break came in the form of a new driver ,who will be debuting in the series.
In a three-way movement, the Manor Formula 1 team has replaced Indonesian driver Rio Haryanto with Esteban Ocon. At the same time, Mercedes-AMG DTM test and reserve driver, Felix Rosenqvist – who also won the Formula 3 title in 2015 – will take Ocon’s DTM seat at the ART squad. Rosenqvist recently was second overall in the Spa 24 Hours at the wheel of the GT3 Mercedes-AMG.
“Getting the opportunity to race in the DTM is very exciting for me,” said Rosenqvist. “I’ve been a part of the Mercedes-AMG family for many years, and this was always one of my primary targets. It is going to be a real challenge, joining such an incredibly competitive championship mid-season, and I know I will have a lot to learn in a very short amount of time.
“Having been around the team in my capacity as test and reserve driver this season should help ease the transition, however, and I’m grateful to Mercedes-AMG for finally getting this chance. I can’t wait to get out on track in Moscow!”
DTM Mercedes-AMG chief, Ulrich Fritz, added “Felix is well prepared for this challenge. He has gone everywhere with the team since the beginning of the season, including the fitness camp, and he knows the whole squad as well as the car. His strong performance in the 24-hour race in Spa also speaks volumes.
“It therefore makes absolute sense for us to give him the opportunity to contest this DTM race weekend in Moscow. And of course, a very special thank you goes to Esteban for his achievements this season. He has done exceptionally well in his DTM rookie year against a strong field. Now we’re all giving him the thumbs-up on his Formula 1 debut at Spa.”
Rosenqvist will sport number 88 from the Moscow round (19-21 August 2016) onwards.
