Mercedes confirm Paffett return

The 2005 champion had been linked to a return to the series for several months, and in January Autosport magazine revealed that it would be in a year-old car.

Paffett spent 2006 as a test driver for the McLaren Formula One team, but he has returned to the DTM to be back in racing action.

"It's great to be back racing with Mercedes-Benz in the DTM, a championship where I have always performed well," said Paffett. "I am fully motivated to achieve the best possible results this season."

The 25-year-old has not given up on chasing a drive in Formula One though, and he has maintained his testing role at McLaren for 2007 as well.

"I remain committed to finding a full-time Formula One drive in the future," he said, "but meanwhile I am fully focused on the beginning of the DTM season which is my immediate priority as a professional racing driver."

Paffett scored nine wins in 30 starts from 2003-2005 in the DTM, and his former championship rival Mattias Ekstrom recently tipped the British driver for success with the older machinery.

The deal for Paffett to return to racing came together after the former champion expressed an interest in getting back into a race seat.

Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug said: "Gary wanted to race again in the DTM and of course we have been enthusiastic about this idea.

"Within motor racing he is considered a competent and capable Formula One driver who has moved up from the DTM. To have him in our driver line-up is an upgrade for our team and the entire DTM."