Ex-F1 Drivers to Test DTM Machines

Former Formula 1 Drivers Timo Glock and Robert Kubica will take part in the DTM test at the Valencia circuit, the first of the year for the German Touring Car Series.

Glock announced his exit from Formula 1 on Monday, but the swift confirmation of a test for BMW Motorsport suggests that the “mutual” departure with Marussia had been under discussion for some time.

He said "I have fond memories of my time with BMW Motorsport and am very excited about testing the BMW M3 DTM,"

The German added "Furthermore, I am bound to see a few familiar faces in Valencia from my previous time with BMW. I am really looking forward to it."

Former BMW Sauber and Renault racer Robert Kubica will also take part in the test, his first in DTM machinery.

However whilst Glock looks to secure a drive for the season ahead, the Polish driver is taking part  purely to assess how he fares with driving a car with circuit downforce. The talented driver suffered injuries to his hand and arm after a crash whilst rallying in February 2011. His rehabilitation to racing has been steady, competing in a number of low key rally events. 

The 28-year-old will test a DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupe at the test for HWA, the team part owned by new Mercedes Motorsport boss Toto Wolff.

The Austrian confirmed in a teleconference that the test is purely to see how the Polish driver fares. He said "We all obviously like Robert, he's a very special chap and what we want to do with Mercedes-Benz is give him a chance doing a proper test in a proper race car and seeing how he goes on and how he feels,"

"This is what we will be doing in the next days and I'm very glad that he's able to do that. He's very much looking forward to it and he's very excited. Let's see how it goes."

Wolff was also asked if Kubica would test a Mercedes F1 Car in the near future. He said "If the DTM test goes well and we see that he is doing well in a proper race car with downforce, I think there are still some physical constraints to drive a monocoque (single seater) chassis with his elbow and arm,"

"I think we all would love to see Robert doing well in a Formula One car in the future but that is definitely too early at this stage."

Kubica will race in the European Rally Championship this year as he continues to rebuild his career in motorsport. He was widely renowned for his fast pace in a Formula 1 car and was predicted to be a champion of the future, but his injuries may restrict him from returning.

So a Formula 1 Test is out of the question, whilst Glock takes a new career path. Both will be eager to prove themselves and show they have still got it, but it appears that only Glock will get the chance at a full DTM campaign.