Joey Hand joins BMW's DTM squad for 2012 season

Joey Hand will race in the DTM for BMW next year, following a successful test at Monteblanco last month.

The 32-year-old American has been a factory driver for the German manufacturer since 2009 and has achieved huge success this year, winning both the Daytona 24 Hours in a BMW-engined Riley and then taking the GTE crown in the American Le Mans Series in an M3 GT.

BMW motorsport director Jens Marquardt said: "Joey has been a member of the BMW family for many years, and we are extremely pleased that he will now form part of our DTM project.

"His past successes have impressively underscored his skills set, and during the test in Monteblanco with the BMW M3 DTM he immediately proved to be very fast.

"We are convinced the addition of Joey to our line-up will substantially strengthen our project. In addition, his character fits into our team perfectly."

Hand's signing means five of BMW's six seats have now been taken, with existing factory GT drivers Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus having been joined by reigning DTM champion Martin Tomczyk, and long-time Mercedes driver Bruno Spengler.

Hand, who has not raced regularly in Europe since his karting days, said: "I am really looking forward to my new challenge in the DTM, and thank BMW sincerely for the company's confidence in me.

"I immediately enjoyed the BMW M3 DTM. Its downforce and carbon brakes are extremely impressive. I know some of the team members from the past, and was able to acquaint myself with the others in Monteblanco. Now I am looking forward to our close teamwork in future!"

To find out how the DTM's ties with US motorsport could strengthen by 2014, Read this week's AUTOSPORT digital magazine.