DTM: ART completes first Mercedes test

ART Grand Prix completed its first DTM test this week, as all three manufacturers headed to Portugal's Algarve circuit for pre-season testing.

With the open-wheel organization's debut in the series approaching, rookies Lucas Auer and Maximilian Gotz drove Gary Paffett's Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Auer will be one the team's full-time drivers in 2015, alongside former champion Paffett.

Gotz, who will race with Mucke Motorsport, started the program but was limited to just 20 laps due to technical problems. He fared better on the second day, turning 103 laps, before Auer's 104 on Wednesday completed the test.

"There were a few hiccups at the start, but overall, our first DTM test was a thrilling experience for the whole team, from the drivers and mechanics to the engineers," ART team boss Frederic Vasseur said. "We've worked very hard over the past few months to get to know all the procedures in the DTM and are satisfied with the results of testing at Portimao.

"Max is very experienced with GT cars thanks to his years in the SLS AMG GT3. He was able to give us excellent feedback and drove as if he'd spent years in the DTM.

"Lucas has had more experience with single-seater cars and had to learn the track first, so many things were new to him, but he too steadily improved during the day. We're on track."

Mercedes' leading HWA squad was also present, with Paul Di Resta, Christian Vietoris, Pascal Wehrlein and Robert Wickens.

BMW used a total of six drivers during the three days. Bruno Spengler, Antonio Felix da Costa, Timo Glock, Maxime Martin and Martin Tomczyk were joined by Tom Blomqvist, who was testing for the first time since his 2015 deal was announced last month.

"That's the first time I've ever driven here in Portimao," the 21-year-old said. "The track is very interesting and demanding – a bit like a rollercoaster.

"In the first few laps I was a bit lost but once I figured out where it goes I was able to run the normal program without any problems. I also got used to the BMW M4 DTM again after a few laps. After that everything was OK."

Audi, meanwhile, elected to use just three drivers; former champions Mattias Ekström and Mike Rockenfeller, and second-year driver Nico Muller.

Pre-season testing continues at Estoril on March 25-27 and Oschersleben on April 14-16, ahead of the season opener at Hockenheim on the first weekend of May.

Originally on Autosport.com