Engel rejoins DTM in Mercedes shake-up

GT star Maro Engel will continue to campaign in Formula E despite his recall to Mecedes-AMG’s rejigged DTM line-up for 2017.

Engel returns to the three-pointed star’s DTM campaign along with new addition Edoardo Mortara.

The pair will join DTM race winners Lucas Auer, Paul Di Resta Gary Paffett and Robert Wickens in the six-car squad.

Engel, a former GT World Champion, receives another crack at DTM after previously being part of the category from 2008-2011.

The Monaco-based German driver will continue to be part of the Venturi Formula E squad this year.

“I will be continuing Formula E and remain fully committed to Venturi who I would like to thank for releasing me for the clashes,” Engel tweeted.

Head of Mercedes-AMG DTM Ulrich Fritz said: “In 2017, all of us manufacturers will be up against major challenges.

“We have a new car, new tyres and a reduction in the number of drivers on the grid.

“The standard of competition is therefore going to be higher than ever before in the DTM. That’s precisely why I am glad we have put together such a high-calibre squad.

“Edo, Lucas, Paul, Gary and Rob have all won DTM races and are well capable of having a say in the destination of the title.

“But therein lies yet another major challenge for the team and the drivers – to succeed this year, we need to function as a homogenous and resolute unit.

“Added to which, we have Maro who also has a lot of experience and is a title winner in his own right.”

Engel’s initial DTM stint with the Mücke Motorsport team saw him predominantly campaign with older machinery.

“I definitely have some unfinished business with the DTM. I am very pleased that I’ve been able to battle my way back into the squad over the past few years and that I now have a chance to prove myself in the coming season.

“I have fantastic team-mates who I’ve obviously known for a long time. That’s why I’m sure I won’t have any problems settling in.”

Engel will back-up from this weekend’s Daytona 24 Hour to join Shane van Gisbergen and Craig Baird in the factory-supported STM Mercedes AMG GT at the Bathurst 12 Hour next weekend.