Mercedes-AMG boss says no team orders despite possible strategy from rivals

HWA Mercedes-AMG boss Ulrich Fritz has said there will be no team orders at the team as their drivers fight for the 2018 DTM drivers’ title, though admits it’s a worry that Audi and BMW may soon put their weight behind one driver.

Mercedes-AMG drivers occupy the top three positions in the drivers’ championship with four rounds to go, with Gary Paffett leading Paul di Resta and Lucas Auer, with Edoardo Mortara and Pascal Wehrlein fifth and seventh in the order.

“We cannot underestimate any of the drivers, as things change quite quickly,” said Fritz to TouringCarTimes.

“I think Timo Glock knows how to win a championship, and Marco Wittmann is someone you can never underestimate. There were a few occasions in the past where he was quite far back in the championship, but then he turned out to be a true contender, or even won it.

“So, we can’t underestimate anyone, especially mister (René) Rast who’s also performing at the moment. He can make the tyres last a very long time, and he’s always the quickest Audi and last year’s champion, so we’re not there yet.”

Whether he feared BMW or Audi could put all their might behind one driver in order to tip the balance to the much favoured Mercedes-AMG this year, Fritz admitted it was a worry, especially as it was the exact strategy that worked in their favour when they last won the title three years ago.

“They have a strategic advantage which we had in 2015, when we only had one championship contender and we could really focus on them –now we are in a different position, which is lucky on the one hand as it shows we have a strong car…but in 2015 it was a clear advantage for us that we were able to focus on Pascal (Wehrlein), cos he was the only one who could win the championship, and that is coming for BMW and Audi as well, and we need to be prepared for that.”