Felix Rosenqvist is set to make his DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) race debut, joining the Mercedes-AMG line-up for next week’s Moscow Raceway round.
Rosenqvist, 24, is the official Mercedes-AMG DTM test and reserve driver and will step up to racing duties as he stands in for Formula 1-bound team regular Esteban Ocon (FRA) at Mercedes-AMG DTM Team ART for the August 19-21 event in Russia.
Rosenqvist gets the call on the back of a highly successful 2016 campaign so far, with the Swede recently finishing a shock second on his debut in the 24 Hours of Spa GT endurance race driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3. He has also won three races in America’s Indy Lights single-seater championship.
Felix Rosenqvist is the reigning FIA Formula 3 European champion, having raced with Mercedes engines in all of his top-flight Formula 3 career.
“Getting the opportunity to race in the DTM is very exciting for me,” says Felix Rosenqvist. “I’ve been a part of the Mercedes-AMG family for many years, and this was always one of my primary targets. It is going to be a real challenge, joining such an incredibly competitive championship mid-season, and I know I will have a lot to learn in a very short amount of time. Having been around the team in my capacity as test and reserve driver this season should help ease the transition, however, and I’m grateful to Mercedes-AMG for finally getting this chance. I can’t wait to get out on track in Moscow!”
Rosenqvist will form part of Mercedes-AMG’s eight-car assault at Moscow Raceway, driving a Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM alongside Gary Paffett (GBR), Maximilian Götz (GER), Christian Vietoris (GER), Daniel Juncadella (ESP), Lucas Auer (AUT), Robert Wickens (CAN) and Paul Di Resta (GBR).
“As our test and reserve driver, Felix is well prepared for this challenge,” says Uli Fritz (Head of Mercedes-AMG DTM). “He has gone everywhere with the team since the beginning of the season, including the fitness camp, and he knows the whole squad as well as the car. His strong performance in the 24-hour race in Spa also speaks volumes. It therefore makes absolute sense for us to give him the opportunity to contest this DTM race weekend in Moscow. And of course, a very special thank you goes to Esteban for his achievements this season. He has done exceptionally well in his DTM rookie year against a strong field. Now we’re all giving him the thumbs-up on his Formula 1 debut at Spa.”
The DTM is the most popular international touring car series, boosting one of the strongest fields in all of motor racing with a blend of former F1 stars, junior-category champions and esteemed touring car aces. Moscow Raceway marks round six out of nine on this year’s calendar.
Felix Rosenqvist’s Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM will carry start number #88.