Rumors circulated for a long time, but official confirmation was made only today – Vitaly Petrov signed a contract with Mercedes and spend this season in the German series DTM. Vitaly – pilot factory team Stuttgart concern, he would join the experienced Paul di Resta and Gary Paffett, who have already achieved success in the DTM. Vitaly will run for the RSC Mucke Motorsport. The contract is for one year with possibility of extension.
Vitaly Petrov: “I know that a lot to learn, but I’m happy to accept this challenge. On the first test in Portimao, I met with the team and was able to feel the car, which is very important for me.
The popularity of motorsport grows in Russia, last year was the first step on the DTM Moscow Raceway, and this year for the first time Sochi will race in Formula 1. Sure – we will soon see many Russian drivers in different series, I hope to contribute by making a series DTM even more popular in my country.”
Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes Motorsport: «Vitaly successfully conducted tests at the wheel DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupe in Portimao, I’m sure – he will be an important member of our team .
Vitaly – a great athlete and a representative of his country. He has already demonstrated his ability to achieve good results, standing on the podium in Formula 1. It will become an important asset and Mercedes-Benz, especially in the Russian market. I will follow with interest the development of events.”
Vitaly spring to take part in several tests during the coming weekend he flies to Germany, where on the basis of Mercedes sports together with other racers pass physical training program.