The upcoming DTM rookie test at Jerez next week will feature a host of young drivers getting a taste of the 2019 cars as Audi and BMW evaluate future talent.
Taking part in the test for BMW will be British driver Nick Yelloly, who this year narrowly missed out on the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup title, becoming 2019 vice-champion.
Having worked his way up the single-seater career route from Karting to Formula Renault, through to GP2, Yelloly made the switch to GT cars in 2016 when he joined the Project 1 team in the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland, along with a one-off race in the Supercup.
Credit: Porsche
2017 saw him take second place in the German-based one-make series championship, plus two more appearances in the Supercup before a full-time move to the series this year, where he secured second in the standings after a season-long battle with reigning champion Michael Ammermüller.
For 2019 the future looks bright as BMW recognise his achievements, presenting him with the chance to test the BMW DTM car.
While this chance has only come up recently, Yelloly put in some ground work back in 2012 when he was in World Series by Renault 3.5.
“It’s a massive opportunity for me,” Yelloly told The Checkered Flag. “I first contacted BMW all the way back in 2012 when I was doing World Series by Renault 3.5.”
Credit: Renault
Despite things not working out at the time, Yelloly was now on the radar of the German marque, leading to opportunities in VLN this year alongside works driver Joel Eriksson.
“Unfortunately it didn’t happen then, but I’m hugely grateful for BMW to give me the chance to drive such an awesome piece of kit this year in the DTM and also for the few GT races they put me out in too.” he explained.
Looking ahead to the test next week the Brit has already started preparation for his run in the BMW M4 DTM car.
“I’ve been over to Munich for the seat fit and controls day and meet the guys running the test.
“Now it’s just about waiting for the day to come and showing them what I can do! Can’t wait!
The three-day DTM rookie test will take place from 10 December at the Jerez circuit in Spain.
Alongside Yelloly, BMW Motosport will run Nicky Catsburg, Mikkel Jensen, and Sheldon van der Linde. Audi will bring Andreas Bakkerud heading up the line up of Benoit Treluyer, Frederic Vervisch, Ferdinand Habsburg, Jonathan Aberdein and Mattia Drudi.
Mercedes will also be present at the test with a yet-to-be-named line up due to their previous arrangement with series organisers ITR.
