Green confirmed at Merc

The 2002 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner, who drove a McLaren MP4-19B as part of his prize at Silverstone yesterday (Wednesday), will take his place in the Mercedes DTM team next year, although it is unconfirmed whether he will drive a 2005 car. AMG is expected to build five new cars, but already has Christijan Albers, Jean Alesi, Gary Paffett, Mika Hakkinen and Bernd Schneider under contract.

One scenario is that Albers finds a Formula 1 drive, with either Minardi or Jordan, freeing up a seat for Green to join the top team. Otherwise, he might have to make do with a 2004-spec C-Class run by Persson Motorsport. He has tested a 2004 car twice, at EuroSpeedway Lausitz and Hockenheim.

Green said: "Of course, I'm really happy to be promoted to the DTM which is the best touring car series in the world and a great challenge for a young driver like me. The competition is very tough and I'm happy to be part of such a top class field. When I tested the AMG Mercedes C-class I felt comfortable in the car, and I will do my best to justify the confidence they have in me."

Mercedes motorsport chief Norbert Haug said: "By winning the 2004 Formula 3 Euroseries, Jamie Green has proved his talent and is a valuable addition for our DTM team. By signing him we are continuing our programme of supporting young drivers and we believe that he will distinguish himself and repeat in the DTM what several of our Juniors have already achieved."