Mercedes announces first four drivers for 2018 DTM swansong

Mercedes has confirmed its first four drivers for the 2018 DTM campaign, which will mark the German marque’s final season in the series. 

DTM champions Gary Paffett and Paul di Resta have been retained, alongside Lucas Auer and Edoardo Mortara. Two spots in Mercedes’ 2018 six-car entry remain unfilled, following Robert Wickens move to IndyCar and Maro Engel’s decision to focus on his Formula E and GT racing commitments. 

The Stuttgart brand, which has been a core part of DTM since the category was relaunched in 2000, announced it would withdraw from the series at the end of the year after taking up its option to join the Formula E grid for the 2019/2020 season. 

"2018 will be our final year in the DTM, but that doesn't change anything as far as our readiness to take up the fight, our enormous team spirit and commitment are concerned,” Mercedes DTM boss Ulrich Fritz said. “Every single member of our team, the drivers, the mechanics, the engineers and our hospitality crew are all highly motivated. 

“We intend to work together in pursuit of a common goal in order to bring a positive conclusion to the final chapter of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport's involvement in the DTM which goes back 30 years." 

Auer, nephew of former F1 driver Gerhard Berger, finished as Mercedes’ highest-placed driver in 2017 and recorded three victories on his way to taking sixth in the standings. 

"This final season in the DTM will be something really special for Mercedes," Auer said. "We're all as keen as mustard and intend to round things off in a fitting manner. 2017 was a good year for me, and I'm really looking forward to 2018.”

Mortara, who will dovetail his DTM commitments alongside racing in Formula E for Venturi, is aiming to improve on a 14th place finish during his first season in the category. 

"There was a lot to learn in our first year together in the DTM," the Swiss Italian said. "We missed out on a couple of points, but ultimately, we found that we were on the right track during the last few race weekends. I didn't have a terrific season, so I'm really looking forward to this year when I intend to do much better.”

Mercedes says it will announce its final two drivers for the 2018 campaign “soon”, with Sauber Formula 1 outcast Pascal Wehrlein understood to be in contention for a return to the series he won in 2015.