Grapevine: Rosberg set for DTM car run

The German will be driving passengers in a car kitted out in the colours of a personal sponsor, for what will be his very first track experience of a touring car.

Speaking about his DTM experience, Rosberg said: "As a racing driver, it's great to be able to drive different cars and broaden my experience - you always learn something.

"Although it's a tin-top, the AMG Mercedes C-Class is a serious racing machine. I'll be treating it with respect on my first drive but I'm also looking forward to seeing what it can do, and to discovering the differences compared to my Formula 1 car."

As well as enthusiasm for his drive in the DTM car, Rosberg is also looking forward to seeing friends from German national racing.

"I'm really excited to be going back to my roots in Hockenheim and to have the time to speak with a lot of old friends - something that you don't have the time to do during an F1 weekend when you're competing," he explained.

"Naturally, I'm hoping that Mercedes' weekend turns out the same way as the last two races at Hockenheim did: with a win for the AMG Mercedes C-Class. But I only have favourite drivers when I'm sitting in a car myself.

"After leading the last Grand Prix in China and at least getting a sniff of victory, of course I'm hoping that with my team, we will take our first Formula 1 win soon."

Rosberg's only previous experience of a DTM car was at a Mercedes-Benz celebration event last year in Stuttgart when he drove one for a few metres.