https://www.motorsport.com/dtm/news/mer ... ry-934184/motorsport.com wrote:Mercedes to quit DTM after 2018, confirms Formula E entry
Mercedes has announced it will quit DTM at the end of the 2018 season, as well as confirming a Formula E entry in 2019/20.
The Stuttgart brand has been a core part of DTM since its relaunch in 2000, and its forthcoming departure will leave the German tin-top series with only two manufacturers, BMW and Audi, from 2019.
Mercedes, which first indicated an interest in joining Formula E last October, joins a growing list of companies to commit to an involvement in the burgeoning all-electric series, including its two DTM rivals.
"Our years in the DTM will always be held high as a major chapter in the motorsport history of Mercedes," said Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff.
"I want to thank every team member whose fantastic work has helped to make Mercedes-Benz the most successful DTM manufacturer during that time.
"Although leaving is tough for all of us, we will be doing everything during this season and next to make sure we win as many DTM titles as possible before we go. We owe that to our fans and to ourselves."
Mercedes first joined the modern DTM's predecessor, the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, in 1988, securing its first title with Klaus Ludwig in 1992.
It took further titles with Bernd Schneider in 1994 and 1995 before the category folded at the end of 1996 amid spiralling costs, but resumed winning ways in 2000 when the series was relaunched in its current guise.
Schneider secured a further four titles in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2006, while Gary Paffett, Paul di Resta and more recently Sauber Formula 1 driver Pascal Wehrlein have taken a title apiece for the Silver Arrows.
Its works HWA operation currently runs all six of its 2017 entries following a downscaling from eight to six cars last winter, with Paffett and di Resta joined by Lucas Auer, Edoardo Mortara, Maro Engel and Robert Wickens.
The agreement signed by Mercedes and Formula E Holdings late last year was originally for a season five (2018/19) entry, but instead the German auto giant will make its debut in season six.
Mercedes to quit DTM after 2018, confirms Formula E entry
- erwin greven
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Mercedes to quit DTM after 2018, confirms Formula E entry
Brian Redman: "Mr. Fangio, how do you come so fast?" "More throttle, less brakes...."
- kals
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Great news for Formula E, not so for DTM. Will any teams be able to run privateer Mercedes machinery in 2018? I suspect not.
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I wonder what this means for the on/off SuperGT DTM regs merger rumours.
- erwin greven
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i think that it would be possible to have privateers who buy Mercedes cars and race them, by standardise them. Or enter GT3 or GT2 (GTE) cars.
Brian Redman: "Mr. Fangio, how do you come so fast?" "More throttle, less brakes...."