Rosenqvist to replace Ocon for DTM round in Moscow
Mercedes' DTM reserve Felix Rosenqvist will make his series debut in Moscow, stepping into the seat vacated by Manor Racing F1's new signing Esteban Ocon.
Photo by: FIA F3 / Suer
Rosenqvist, who took 13 wins on his way to succeeding Ocon as European F3 champion last year, has been racing in Blancpain GT and IndyCar's feeder series Indy Lights alongside his DTM reserve driver commitments in 2016.
And with Ocon now gearing up for his F1 debut at the Belgian Grand Prix a week after Moscow, Rosenqvist will get to race ART Grand Prix's C63 DTM at the Russian venue.
"Getting the opportunity to race in the DTM is very exciting for me,” Rosenqvist said.
“I’ve been a part of the Mercedes-AMG family for many years, and this was always one of my primary targets. It is going to be a real challenge, joining such an incredibly competitive championship mid-season, and I know I will have a lot to learn in a very short amount of time.
"Having been around the team in my capacity as test and reserve driver this season should help ease the transition, however, and I’m grateful to Mercedes-AMG for finally getting this chance. I can’t wait to get out on track in Moscow."
Rosenqvist has previously raced at Moscow Raceway back in 2014 in F3, taking three points finishes in a round that that year's champion Ocon swept.
The Swede now becomes the second in-season addition to the DTM grid, after Rene Rast substituted for an injured Adrien Tambay at Zandvoort for Audi.
"As our test and reserve driver, Felix is well-prepared for this challenge,” said Mercedes DTM boss Ulrich Fritz. "He has gone everywhere with the team since the beginning of the season, including the fitness camp, and he knows the whole squad as well as the car.
"His strong performance in the 24-hour race in Spa [where he helped the #88 AKKA ASP Mercedes to runner-up] also speaks volumes.
"It therefore makes absolute sense for us to give him the opportunity to contest this DTM race weekend in Moscow.
"And of course, a very special thank you goes to Esteban for his achievements this season. He has done exceptionally well in his DTM rookie year against a strong field. Now we’re all giving him the thumbs-up on his Formula 1 debut at Spa."
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