Mercedes has confirmed Esteban Ocon will race in DTM this year as a replacement for reigning champion Pascal Wehrlein.
Ocon is a Mercedes driver but has secured a seat as Renault's reserve driver for 2016 after the French manufacturer returned to F1 as a constructor. However, the 19-year-old had already admitted he would prefer to race in DTM than in GP2 alongside the role and has now been announced as a Mercedes factory driver.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be part of such a professional and strong racing series," Ocon said. "I’m very pleased to be driving for Mercedes-Benz. It’s the best team in the DTM and I’m very grateful for this fantastic opportunity.
"Mercedes is the most successful manufacturer in DTM history. You can only achieve that with real passion and hard work, and those are characteristics that we share.
"After driving in free practice during the final race weekend of the 2015 season at Hockenheim, I can’t wait to start a DTM race. I obviously have a lot to learn, but my goal – and that of everyone in the team – is to fight for wins as soon as possible.”
The move comes after confirmation Wehrlein will race for Manor in F1 this season, with Mercedes DTM boss Ulrich Fritz paying tribute to the 2015 DTM champion.
“We’re aiming for stability in the team after a successful 2015," Fritz said. "Esteban Ocon has learned a lot as our test and reserve driver and is ready for his rookie season in the DTM. Esteban proved his talent last year by winning the GP3 Series title. Of course, he still has much to learn, but with his seven team-mates, he can draw on the combined experience of 31 DTM seasons.
"When you start the season as defending champions, it’s hard to have any other goal than winning the championship. But everyone knows just how competitive the DTM is and it won’t be an easy task.
"I would like to especially thank our reigning DTM champion, Pascal Wehrlein, who has taken the next step in his career for 2016, as he will be tackling a fresh challenge in Formula One. Pascal remains part of the Mercedes-Benz family, and we wish him all the best in what we hope will be a successful F1 career.”
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