Opel sign up Dumbreck

Peter Dumbreck at the wheel of an Opel Astra V8 Coupé
29-year-old Scot launched his career in Formula Opel/Vauxhall

Opel have signed Peter Dumbreck as a works driver for the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) series. The 29-year-old Scotsman will thus be returning to the Opel family, having started his career by contesting three seasons in the successful Formula Opel/Vauxhall series for juniors and winning the British Championship title in 1996. After signing Germans Manuel Reuter and Timo Scheider, Swiss Alain Menu and Dutchman Jeroen Bleekemolen, Dumbreck is the fifth Opel driver to be locked in for the 2003 DTM.

"I'm very happy, being able to continue contesting the DTM," said Dumbreck, who was competing in the DTM from 2000 to 2002 with Mercedes, clinching two victories in 2001 as well as finishing the series in third place that year. "I'll be working hard to fight for victories with Opel. My first impressions of the Astra V8 Coupé and the entire team are really good, which makes me look towards the season with great confidence."

The Scot, who was Japanese Formula 3 Champion in 1998, had already taken the wheel of the Opel touring car on two occasions, during the November driver evaluation in Vallelunga, Italy, and during ongoing test drives at the same venue.

"We watched Peter Dumbreck during our evaluation as well as over the past three DTM seasons. He's not only quick, but goes about his work with remarkable composure, concentration and focus on results," says Opel motorsport director Volker Strycek. "Peter possesses ample DTM experience, has won races, and will definitely strengthen our team."

Opel will be fielding six Astra V8 Coupés in the DTM, powered by 470-hp, four-litre V8 engines. The new season, featuring ten races in five different countries, will open at Hockenheim on 27 April.

-opel-