Mercedes parts ways with DTM chief

Leading Mercedes DTM team HWA has parted ways with its technical director and CEO Gerhard Ungar following the marque's disastrous start to the new season.

The HWA board announced on Thursday the immediate departure of Ungar, just days after the team came away scoreless from the first DTM round at Hockenheim.

The news spells the end of a 26-year career with AMG and HWA, with Ungar having previously worked in engine design and development, before taking up the position of technical director in 2000 and joining the HWA board in 2006. Since 2012 he has held the CEO position, and board member Ulrich Fritz will take over Ungar's responsibilities.

"Gerhard Ungar has fundamentally influenced Mercedes-Benz's success in the DTM," said Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. "In various technical and management roles, he put our brand in a position to win 10 drivers' titles and nine manufacturers' titles. For that, he deserves special thanks.

"The DTM program will continue to run this season as planned. A replacement for the vacant position will come after comprehensive analysis of the current situation."