Doornbos targets DTM debut in 2011

The Netherlands’s Robert Doornbos has told GPUpdate.net that he aims for a seat in leading German touring car championship the DTM this year, having spent 2010 in the Superleague Formula.

Doornbos made his Formula 1 debut in 2005, driving with Minardi from the German Grand Prix onwards before returning to the sport for the last trio of 2006 races with Red Bull. However, he has now revealed that negotiations are ongoing with Mercedes with regards to a DTM debut.

“We have two seasons behind us in IndyCars and Superleague Formula," the 29-year-old from Rotterdam told GPUpdate TV.

“In 2011 we want to start with a clean slate and focus on a championship in which you can remain active for a number of years.

“I have a few good years left in me and I’m happy in IndyCar, but it’s very difficult in terms of sponsorship. We are currently conducting talks with Mercedes and it’s going very well; we’ve been to Stuttgart a few times and I think the DTM would be a very nice route for the future."