Bruno Spengler backs two-race per weekend format for the DTM

The series revealed last month that its 2015 calendar would feature 18 races across nine weekends, marking a return to double headers for the first time since the 2002 season.

2012 champion Spengler, who joined the series as a Mercedes junior in 2005, said he is looking forward to the revised format.

"I can imagine that the races will be even more competitive," said Spengler.

"It's fantastic for the fans - we are offering them even more action and twice the show.

"And it goes without saying that we drivers are always happy to spend more time in the car.

"It is also something new for me. In the 11 years I have been racing in the DTM, I have never contested two races on one weekend."

Series boss Hans Werner Aufrecht said at the time of the announcement that the format change was in response to a desire from fans to have two races at each event.

Spengler will contest his maiden 24-hour car race this weekend, driving a BMW Z4 GTLM in the Daytona 24 Hours for Team RLL.

"The amount of traffic in a 24-hour race is new to me, and I have never raced at night," said the Canadian. "All this makes Daytona a real challenge.

"The test last week gave me the opportunity to tackle the track for the first time - it was great fun, but very different to sitting in a DTM car.

"We are well-prepared, but it is hard for me to say what to expect. Maybe we can discuss that 20 hours into the race."