Photo: Daimler Global Press

Daniel Juncadella named as Mercedes AMG DTM reserve driver

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Former Mercedes driver Daniel Juncadella has been chosen as reserve driver for Mercedes in the series for the 2017 DTM season.

The Spaniard raced for the Stuttgart-based squad from 2013 to 2016, with two fourth-place positions as his best result. Juncadella also claimed a podium finish at the Hungaroring last year, but was excluded after a technical infringement.

Juncadella, who remained a works driver for Mercedes AMG, will combine his new appointment in the DTM with his existing commitments in the German VLN championship and the Blancpain GT Series, at the wheel of a Mercedes AMG GT3.

“I think it’s great to be back in the DTM team this season,” said Juncadella. “I know the drivers and team members really well from previous years. The team spirit and the atmosphere within the squad were always great, so I’m delighted that I can combine racing the Mercedes-AMG GT3 with being a DTM reserve driver this year.”

Ulrich Fritz, head of Mercedes AMG in the DTM, commented: “It’s great that Daniel will again be in the squad in 2017. He still knows the team from the past few years, and so, can fit seamlessly into the squad. We’ve seen in previous DTM seasons how important it is to be able to fall back on an experienced and fast reserve should a driver fall ill or be unable to take part.”

Mercedes AMG had initially chosen driver Maximilian Günther as their reserve driver. The German is also entered in the European Formula Three championship, where seven of its ten rounds collide with DTM events this year. Mercedes has chosen to allow him to focus on his F3 campaign, with Juncadella taking the reserve driver role when Günther will not be available.

“As some of the DTM race weekends are colliding with his commitments in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship we want Max to concentrate on his races in Formula 3. On these occasions Daniel will take over Maximilian’s duties as our reserve driver. We are really well placed for the new season with our two reserves, Max and Daniel,” added Fritz.