Felix Rosenqvist will replace Esteban Ocon in Mercedes-AMG DTM’s line up at the forthcoming Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) race weekend, which takes place at Moscow Raceway between the 19th and 21st of August.
Ocon now moves up to Formula 1 alongside fellow ex-DTM alumni and 2015 champion, Pascal Wehrlein, at Manor Racing for the remainder of the current 2016 F1 campaign, starting at Spa-Francorchamps.
The 19-year-old partnered 2005 champion Gary Paffett for the first half of the season until the last event at Circuit Park Zandvoort.
Rosenqvist, who raced with Mercedes power in Formula Three, took two wins at the Macau Grand Prix over the past two years, along with securing the FIA Formula 3 European Championship drivers’ title last year.
The Swede was named at the Stuttgart outfit’s test and reserve driver at the beginning of this season, and has currently been racing in the Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup and Indy Lights, finishing runner-up in the recent 24 Hours of Spa with Renger van der Zande and Tristan Vautier.
“Getting the opportunity to race in the DTM is very exciting for me. I’ve been a part of the Mercedes-AMG family for many years, and this was always one of my primary targets,” explained the 24-year-old, who is looking forward to the challenge of competing in a hard-fought championship. Rosenqvist will also race with the number 88 in the seat vacated by Ocon.
“I know I will have a lot to learn in a very short amount of time. Having been around the team in my capacity as test and reserve driver this season should help ease the transition, however, and I’m grateful to Mercedes-AMG for finally getting this chance. I can’t wait to get out on track in Moscow!”
Head of Mercedes-AMG DTM, Ulrich Fritz, sees the promotion of Rosenqvist to a race seat in the series as a “good chance to prove himself,” as well as two more drivers in the form of Wehrlein and Ocon graduating from the ranks of the DTM to Formula 1, thanking the Frenchman for his efforts this year.
“The world of motorsport never stands still and is always offering new opportunities,” he said, crediting the Swede’s performance at Spa to be a welcome showcase of his capabilities.
“As our test and reserve driver, Felix is well prepared for the challenge. He has gone everywhere with the team since the beginning of the season, including the fitness camp, and he knows the whole squad as well as the car. It therefore makes absolute sense for us to give him the opportunity to contest this DTM race weekend in Moscow.”