Ralf Schumacher will have to wait for Mercedes’ response…

Mercedes boss Norbert Haug is taking time to reflect before making a decision regarding Ralf Schumacher and his potential presence in the German DTM championship in 2008. With this decision, he will finalize the driver lineup for the team.

The younger brother of Michael Schumacher tested a 2006 Class C car in Estoril this week, Haug stated: « I do not wish to raise too great hopes. He has so far participated in tests and nothing else has been discussed. »

« If he felt comfortable during this test, then he must tell us in order to continue the discussions. »

But Haug denied that Mercedes is currently looking for a former F1 driver to replace Mika Hakkinen, who retired at the end of last season: « The series is quite competitive, we don’t need to hire people just for their name, » he said.

« I met Ralf when he was in F3, and for many years, he said he wanted to try the DTM. I always told him he should wait for his contractual situation to be clear. Today, his situation allowed him to do so, and he did it. »

Mercedes also tested Schumacher’s compatriot, Christian Klien, who is also looking for a position in 2008, as well as Maro Engel, coming from F3. They were able to take their first steps in DTM alongside regular drivers Bernd Schneider and Bruno Spengler.