Formula One and DTM drivers thank fans

USPA NEWS - Before the season even got under way, Formula One and DTM drivers thanked fans personally for their brilliant support. Activities for motor racing fans: Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and all eight Mercedes-AMG DTM drivers Autograph signing & interviews on Stuttgart´s market place.

Special mission for the Formula One and DTM drivers in Stuttgart city centre. On Friday afternoon, Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, world championship runner-up Nico Rosberg and the eight DTM drivers of the brand with the three-pointed star dropped by on fans at the market square in Stuttgart, where they signed autographs and gave interviews on a show stage.. 600 spectators in all joined the motor racing stars in gearing up for the new season. The racing drivers travelled to their surprise appearance in a relaxed, environmentally manner in vehicles from the Mercedes-Benz electric fleet.

“It´s terrific to be here in Stuttgart, and even though it´s a little bit on the cool side, it´s just great that so many people have come to see us and the DTM drivers“, said reigning Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton. His Silver Arrows team-mate Nico Rosberg added with reference to the start of the new season: “I always look forward to being close to the fans who support us so well. It´s great to see how enthusiastic they all are before the start of the season.“

Mercedes-AMG DTM driver Lucas Auer was also bowled over by the spectators´ enthusiasm: “It was really fun and a brilliant day. I hope that the fans will cheer us on just as well in the season to come.“ Maximilian Götz used the fan activities as preparation for the upcoming season. “Loads of fans were there, and I warmed up for the new season by signing my first autographs of the year,“ he said with a chuckle. “I´m now back in the swing of things with my autograph.“

Canadian Robert Wickens stressed the feeling of oneness within the Mercedes-Benz motor racing family on behalf of his DTM driver colleagues: “It´s great to see the passion of the fans here in Stuttgart,“ said Wickens. “We can´t thank them enough for braving the cold weather today. It wasn´t quite so bad for me, as it´s warmer here than back home in Canada!“ The first Formula One race weekend of the year will take place in one week´s time with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, March 18th-20th. The DTM will get the new season under way with a home race for Mercedes-Benz at Hockenheim, May 6th-8th.