Spengler to stay on with Mercedes

The Canadian has been a member of the Mercedes line-up since the 2003 season, when he was recruited for the Young Driver Programme to race in the Formula 3 Euro Series.

The 27-year-old, who graduated to the HWA works team in 2006, has been racing with Mercedes in the DTM since 2005.

"I am delighted to be starting my seventh DTM season with Mercedes-Benz," said Spengler. "During the winter, I spent nearly a month in Canada recharging my batteries and preparing for the new season.

"There's never a guarantee of success in motorsport, especially in such a closely fought series as DTM, but I'll be giving it everything I've got this year and, together with my team, we'll be pushing all the way."

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug added: "At 27 years old, Bruno Spengler is still a young driver - but he's already a 'veteran' with Mercedes-Benz Motorsport in the very best sense of the word. Bruno gets better every year, and 2011 will mark our ninth year working together.

"Today, he is one of the highest-profile and most successful DTM competitors, but also one of the nicest drivers in the field - and a favourite with the fans. There is still much that Mercedes-Benz Motorsport and Bruno want to achieve together, in order to celebrate a relationship that has now lasted nearly ten years."