Coulthard to compete in German touring cars

David Coulthard
12 April 2012

David Coulthard is to make a return behind the wheel, ending one of the worst-kept secrets in motor sport.

The 13-times Formula One grand prix winner is to compete for Mercedes in the DTM, the German touring car series, this year.

Coulthard, who retired from F1 at the end of the 2008 season after 15 years in the sport and is currently part of the BBC's commentary team, forms part of a nine-strong line-up for Mercedes.

The 39-year-old Scot, who will drive a 2008-spec C class as DTM runs old and new cars to prohibit costs, is naturally delighted to be racing again.

"I'm very much looking forward to returning to racing after a one-year break," said Coulthard. "To sit behind the wheel of an AMG Mercedes C-Class at Hockenheim and not at the pit wall suits me better somehow."

The series, which pits Mercedes against Audi - winners of the title for the last three years - allows Coulthard to maintain his F1 TV commitments as the races do not clash.

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug believes Coulthard, who again links up with the German manufacturer after competing in 150 grands prix for McLaren Mercedes from 1996 to 2004, will be an attraction.

"David will certainly be in the focus of the audience when he returns to active racing in the DTM," said Haug.

"He has been working with us since 1996 and won our first Formula One race of the Silver Arrows' new era in the 1997 Australian Grand Prix. He is one of the most distinguished and best-known drivers around the world, who is not only competent but also extremely charismatic."

Coulthard is one of five Britons in Mercedes' line-up along with Paul di Resta and Gary Paffett, test and reserve drivers with Force India and McLaren respectively, Jamie Green and Susie Stoddart.

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