DTM Champion, Paffett, Goes Back To DTM

By Sam Cooper
March 25 2007

The 2005 DTM champion, and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Tester, Gary Paffett, is going back to DTM. Dispite this, he will still be on the test team in 2007.

"It's great to be back racing with Mercedes-Benz in DTM, a championship where I have always performed well,” said Paffett. “I am fully motivated to achieve the best possible results this season. I am also continuing my test driving role for McLaren Mercedes where I will be contributing towards the best technical package for the World Championship campaigns of both Fernando and Lewis. I remain committed to finding a full time Formula One drive in the future. Meanwhile I am fully focused on the beginning of the DTM season which is my immediate priority as a professional racing driver.”

Norbert Haug, Mercedes Motor Sport Boss added: “Gary Paffett wanted to race again in the DTM and of course we have been enthusiastic about this idea. Apart from this, it will remain Gary’s target to become a Formula One race driver. At McLaren Mercedes, he will have the opportunity to build up his reputation. Gary is the 2005 DTM Champion and within motor racing he is considered a competent and capable Formula One driver who has moved up from the DTM. To have him in our driver line-up is an upgrade for our team and the entire DTM.”