’Lauda Jr’ moves to DTM

(GMMf1NET) Another son of a world champion is set to take the final few steps on the road to formula one.

Germany's 'Bild' newspaper will report on Friday that Mathias Lauda, 24 – the son of 1975, 1977 and 1984 title winner Niki (56) – is about to sign for Mercedes' works DTM team.

''That's right,'' said motor sport director Norbert Haug. ''We tested Mathias in December at Hockenheim, and despite the terrible weather he performed outstandingly.''

At the end of January, 'Lauda Jr' must test the AMG C-Class DTM car again, at Barcelona, but it is expected that he will sign a contract.

Mathias raced in F1 support-category GP2 in 2005, which the series' champion Nico Rosberg – another son of a drivers' champion – used as his springboard to the grand prix grid. Lauda also drives for the Austrian 'A1' entry.

''He is a good talent,'' Haug continued. ''He is only missing experience, but can make up for that quickly.''