DTM: Mercedes signs Mortara from Audi

Mercedes has signed leading Audi driver Edoardo Mortara for the 2017 DTM season.

Mortara narrowly missed out on the title for Audi this year, finishing four points adrift of BMW's champion Marco Wittmann. However, his deal to switch to Mercedes was signed long before the end of the season.

"We are delighted to finally announce Edo as one of the team's race drivers for 2017," said Mercedes DTM boss Ulrich Fritz. "Edo and Mercedes came to an agreement for some time [ago], but due to respect to Audi we didn't announce the signing of their title contender earlier.

"He is the perfect fit for our team – he is not only an experienced race driver but also a great character. We're looking forward to a successful partnership with him."

Mortara was brought into the DTM by Audi after winning the 2010 F3 Euro Series title with the Volkswagen-supported Signature team.

During his six years with Audi he won eight races, and finished in the top five of the championship four times, with 2016 his best season yet.

He is also scheduled to contest the FIA GT World Cup for Audi, on the support bill of the Macau Grand Prix, next month.

Originally on Autosport.com