Renger Van der Zande announced that he won’t be a Mercedes-Benz driver for the 2012 season of the DTM.
Last year, after one season in the GP3 series, the Dutch driver made his DTM debut in a Persson Motorsport’s C Class Mercedes, with a 10th position in Spielberg, Austria as a best result.
In the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Van der Zande revealed that he was not retained by Mercedes for the new season, as he had to "make room for drivers not specially faster, but more attractive in terms of marketing".
This confirms the arrival of Canadian driver Robert Wickens in the Mercedes squad, as the German car manufacturer is looking for a North American driver, following Bruno Spengler’s departure for BMW this year.
For now, only Gary Paffett, Ralf Schumacher and David Coulthard have been officially confirmed for 2012 as Mercedes drivers.
Jamie Green, Susie Wolff-Stoddart, Christian Vietoris may remain in the squad, while F3 Euroseries' reigning champion Roberto Mehri and Wickens could make their debut in the championship.
Concerning Van der Zande, the 26-year-old driver is now looking to race in the Porsche Supercup, World Endurance Championship, or another GT championship for 2012.
Last year, after one season in the GP3 series, the Dutch driver made his DTM debut in a Persson Motorsport’s C Class Mercedes, with a 10th position in Spielberg, Austria as a best result.
In the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Van der Zande revealed that he was not retained by Mercedes for the new season, as he had to "make room for drivers not specially faster, but more attractive in terms of marketing".
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| Renger Van der Zande. (Photo: DTM) |
This confirms the arrival of Canadian driver Robert Wickens in the Mercedes squad, as the German car manufacturer is looking for a North American driver, following Bruno Spengler’s departure for BMW this year.
For now, only Gary Paffett, Ralf Schumacher and David Coulthard have been officially confirmed for 2012 as Mercedes drivers.
Jamie Green, Susie Wolff-Stoddart, Christian Vietoris may remain in the squad, while F3 Euroseries' reigning champion Roberto Mehri and Wickens could make their debut in the championship.
Concerning Van der Zande, the 26-year-old driver is now looking to race in the Porsche Supercup, World Endurance Championship, or another GT championship for 2012.