Green wasn't worried about Paffett

Former champion Paffett will race a year-old car in 2007, while Green will remain part of the four-man works squad.

"You would expect Gary to be in a new car because of his pedigree," Green said on the central stage at the Autosport International show.

"But Gary has made it clear that his aim is F1 and this is a stopgap to get him racing again. Mercedes have a long-term strategy for their DTM team and they stand by you."

Green believes that the performance of the four works drivers after Paffett left the team also prevented him from getting into the top team.

"They had to replace Gary after 2005, and Bruno Spengler came in and did a good job," he said. "If Gary goes to F1 again they would have to replace him again, and I think Mercedes are looking for continuity."

Green is the only driver in the works HWA Mercedes team who is yet to win a race, but he feels comfortable dealing with the burden of chasing a first win.

"The pressure has been on since the start of last year," he said, "and that pressure will always be there until I win my first race."

Green took more pole positions than any other driver last season, and he believes that his qualifying pace is proof of his ability.

"I've got the potential to win races, but often something like my starts has cost me," he said. "You can learn to make a better start, but it's not so easy to learn how to go faster."