Ferrari eyes DTM for protege Raffaele Marciello in 2014

Ex-Ferrari Formula 1 chief engineer Luca Baldisserri, who is the boss of the Ferrari Driver Academy that mentors Marciello's career, told AUTOSPORT that the 18-year-old would combine any DTM campaign with a step up the single-seater ladder.

Marciello is in the midst of a fight for the Formula 3 European Championship title, and leads main rival Felix Rosenqvist by 9.5 points with six races remaining.

Regarding the FDA's plans for Marciello for 2014, Baldisserri said: "I think there are three options.

"One is GP2, because it's the same tracks as Formula 1 and the same tyres, so he can get used to the Pirelli behaviour.

"Then there is the World Series by Renault, which is a very good package, a lot of downforce, really good tyres with a lot of grip in the corners and a good championship.

"And then I think there's DTM as well. In terms of professional qualities of the teams, it's the closest to Formula 1. And for a young driver, having the possibility to have some rhythm with a really organised and professional team is important.

"A programme in DTM would be a shame for a driver like 'Lello' on its own, but not if it's coupled with another championship."

Baldisserri added that the choice of manufacturer is not important, although Marciello's Prema Powerteam-run F3 car is powered by Mercedes engines.

"For us it's not a big deal," he said. "We are focusing on the driver."

Coming up on Thursday: an exclusive AUTOSPORT feature on Ferrari's masterplan for Marciello.