Ralf, Klien, set for Mercedes DTM test
It was reported that the 32-year-old, the former winner of six grands prix who lost his Toyota seat at the end of 2007, is scheduled to line up alongside fellow F1 refugee Christian Klien for a test in a C-Class Mercedes at Estoril on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"Ralf watches nearly every (DTM) race on television," Norbert Haug, Mercedes' competition director, told the newspaper Bild.
"As we have always said, if the contractual situation ever permits, we would arrange a test for him," the German added.
Ralf Schumacher commented: "First and foremost the test will be for fun, and then we will see how it continues."
A Mercedes-Benz media spokesperson, meanwhile, told the official DTM website that – despite the reported presence of Klien and other drivers at the Portuguese circuit – the Estoril test is not a "shootout" for a race seat.
"What will come out of this test is completely open," he said.
01/14/08 (GMM) Despite elder brother Michael's advice to the contrary, it appears that F1 refugee Ralf Schumacher may be considering a switch to the German touring car series DTM in 2008.
According to ORF, the Austrian national broadcaster, the 32-year-old has lined up a test in a Mercedes-Benz tin-top car this week.
Christian Klien, who similarly tested for Force India earlier this winter before the team selected Giancarlo Fisichella for 2008, may also attend the test, the report added.
Following former twice world champion Mika Hakkinen's departure as a works Mercedes-Benz DTM racer, it has been suggested that the manufacturer and the series were keen to tie up again with another F1 name.
ORF said Schumacher, a six-time grand prix winner, and Austria's Klien will test on Tuesday and Wednesday at Estoril, Portugal.