Reigning European Formula 3 champion Daniel Juncadella will race in the DTM for Mercedes-Benz this year, the car marque has confirmed.
Spanish driver Juncadella claimed both the Formula 3 Euro Series and FIA European F3 Championship titles in 2012, as well as winning last year’s Masters of F3 at Zandvoort crown and the Macau Grand Prix at the end of 2011.
He tested in the GP2 Series with the Rapax team at the end of last year, but has now taken up an offer to join Mercedes in the touring car series. Juncadella enjoyed Mercedes backing throughout his three years in F3.
“My DTM debut is like a dream come true,” said Juncadella. “I cannot wait for the season opener at Hockenheim. I?ll be lining up for my first DTM race in a Mercedes AMG C-Coupe. I would like to offer my thanks especially to Mercedes-Benz, since my success in recent years ? and consequently this move up into the DTM ? would not have been possible if it had not been for their junior programme and their support. I will now do my level best to maintain the confidence placed in me.”
Juncadella joins 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series champion Robert Wickens, 2011 Formula 3 Euro Series champion Roberto Merhi and GP2 race-winner Christian Vietoris in a four-man ‘junior team’ alongside experienced hands Gary Paffett and Ralf Schumacher in a six-car line-up from Mercedes.