OGIER TO RACE MERCEDES DTM CAR AT RED BULL RING
Five-time World Rally champion Sebastien Ogier will make his DTM debut at the Red Bull Ring next month with Mercedes.
As part of his preparations for the event, Ogier tested one of Mercedes’ C63s at Vallelunga last week.
DTM rules allow each manufacturer to run a seventh car for a guest driver, although Mercedes has needed an approved exception from governing body DMSB and rivals Audi and BMW as guest entries are not permitted in the final three rounds.
“This is a very exciting experience,” said Ogier. “The DTM is something completely new for me, but I’m trying to learn as much as possible with each lap.
“I see it as an opportunity to broaden my racing horizons and gain more experience.
“Up to now, I haven’t driven much on permanent racetracks – only a couple of times in a GT car [in GT Masters in 2014].
“A DTM car is obviously faster. Of course, you can’t expect to be competitive as a guest starter right away.
“I’m expecting a difficult first weekend at Spielberg, where my target will be to keep up with the other drivers as much as is possible.”
Ogier’s previous experience of DTM machinery includes a three-lap ‘taxi’ run at the Zandvoort round, while he also drove an Audi RS5 in 2013 when he swapped his WRC-winning Volkswagen Polo R with Mattias Ekstrom.
Aside from his GT Masters outing, Ogier has competed in the Volkswagen Scirocco Cup and French F4, and won the 2011 Race of Champions.