DTM: Dennis lined up for Mercedes test

Formula 3 racer Jake Dennis is set to test DTM machinery for the first time later this year with Mercedes. Dennis, fourth in the Formula 3 European Championship, will be part of the manufacturer's line-up at the regular end-of-season young driver test. The 20-year-old races with the Mercedes-powered Prema Powerteam, and the brand's top F3 drivers are traditionally invited to take part in the test, which is currently scheduled for the week commencing Nov. 30.

Felix Rosenqvist and Esteban Ocon turned laps at Jerez last year, with Ocon pairing his GP3 campaign with a role as Mercedes' official DTM reserve driver in 2015.

In addition to the F3 engine links, the Racing Steps Foundation has also been actively pursuing opportunities for Dennis to graduate from F3 next year.

Mercedes DTM boss Ulrich Fritz remained tight-lipped on the line-up.

"There's nothing decided yet," he told AUTOSPORT. "I think it's good that you're hearing that.

"Of course, traditionally we test the best F3 driver with a Mercedes-Benz engine, so Jake Dennis might be in this position because as you know Rosenqvist already tested a few times. It could be an option but it's not decided yet."

Mercedes is set to have at least one vacant seat for 2016, with championship leader Pascal Wehrlein poised to move into Formula 1 with Manor.

Originally on Autosport.com