Mucke set for Mercedes drive in 2002

Mucke has two years left to run on a five-year contract with the German marque and his move to the tin-top series is expected to be announced next week.

"It's not already confirmed, but I think it's on the way," said AMG boss Hans Werner Aufrecht. "We have to discuss some small details, but I am sure it will come together."

Mucke, who finished second in the German F3 championship this year, is being lined up for a drive in a 2001-spec Mercedes CLK with the Team Rosberg, but the battle for the final seat in a 2002-spec Merc is also set to come to a head.

Despite his third place in the championship this year, Peter Dumbreck could lose out to rival Marcel Fassler. Only four new cars are to be built next year and Fassler is tipped to get the nod. "At the moment it is 60:40 to Fassler," said Aufrecht.

Meanwhile, Mucke's DTM switch could jeopardise the Formula 3000 PSM Racing Line team, newly-formed between F3 outfits Mucke and GM Motorsport. However, team boss Sigi Muller insists the team will carry on regardless.

"This doesn't stop us," he said. "One place is now free and we will look for a driver to go with Tony [Schmidt]."