Mercedes-AMG Motorsport has confirmed the final part of its 2018 DTM driver line-up, with Spaniard Daniel Juncadella returning to the series after a year away in 2017.
Juncadella previously competed in the DTM for four seasons between 2013 and 2016, scoring a best result of fourth on two occasions but ultimately falling just short of a podium result.
In 2017 he took on a dual role, acting as a reserve driver for the DTM campaign and also racing in a variety of other GT series at the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3, including the VLN on the Nürburgring, the Blancpain GT Series and in the 24-Hour race on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
“It feels great to be back racing in the DTM this year,” said the 26-year-old. “I’m really keen to get back in the car after a one-year break from competition in the DTM.
“I gained further racing practice last year thanks to race outings in a number of GT series and my role as test and reserve driver. I’ve remained very close to the team throughout the season and so, am familiar with the new generation of cars and the DTM rule changes.
“I’m pleased that at last, I can now contest DTM races again. I never really brought things to a satisfactory conclusion in the DTM and always had the feeling that my results never reflected my true ability. I now intend to put that right.”
Juncadella completes Mercedes’ DTM line-up for 2018, with the marque opting to bring back racers to the series who remained in its portfolio of drivers, instead of new talent, as a result of the brand’s departure at the end of the year. Mercedes had two seats to fill for 2018 following the exit of Robert Wickens and Maro Engel.
“Daniel knows the team really well from previous years and was present at race weekends during 2017 as a test and reserve driver,” said Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport DTM Ulrich Fritz. “So he won’t need much time to settle back in.
“He knows the car and the team members from the past and will have no problem settling back in with the squad. I’m confident that he’ll be able to support the team really well this season with his experience and speed.”