Lucas Auer graduates into the DTM

For two years, Lucas Auer shone in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship. Now, the 20-year-old is rewarded for his performance: he graduates into the DTM and will become a member of the Mercedes-Benz line-up for the upcoming season.

In 2013, the Austrian ended up fourth in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship drivers’ standings behind the wheel of a Dallara-Mercedes run by the Prema Powerteam. One year later, he repeated this achievement with the kfzteile24 Mücke Motorsport team, once again using Mercedes-Benz engines.

Lucas is young and has earned this opportunity with his performance in recent years in Formula 3,

Toto Wolff

“Joining the DTM is an important step in my career,” says Auer, who already completed an initial test with the Mercedes-AMG C63 AMG in December last year. “This test in Jerez de la Frontera was a fantastic experience. I can’t wait to get back in the car and continue preparations for my DTM debut.

I realise that it won’t be an easy task. The DTM is a top-class racing series with formidable opponents, but I’m willing to learn and ready to embark on this adventure. I intend to grab this chance at Mercedes Benz with both hands.”

Auer, who has racked up a total of four FIA Formula 3 European Championship race wins and finished second in the prestigious Macau Grand Prix in 2014, fits perfectly into the concept followed by Toto Wolff, head of motorsport at Mercedes-Benz: “It is our philosophy to giving young racing talents a chance to move up to the DTM. Lucas is young and has earned this opportunity with his performance in recent years in Formula 3,” he praises his new protégé.

The first DTM race meeting in 2015 will be held on the Hockenheimring in early May.

FIA F3