Rosberg to drive Fangio’s Mercedes on Saturday

As a late celebration of his and Mercedes’ success in China, Nico Rosberg will drive Juan Manuel Fangio’s 1955 car when the DTM season begins at Hockenheim this weekend. The Argentine – who won five world titles between 1951 and 1957 – had been the silver arrows’ last Grand Prix winner, at Monza 57 years ago.

“I have good memories of the DTM from the time when my father was still an active driver," Nico says of 1982 World Champion Keke Rosberg. “I am delighted to return to Hockenheim as a Grand Prix winner and can’t wait to drive Fangio’s 1955 car."

On Sunday, Michael Schumacher will take to the track in the 2011 model.

“After four overseas Formula 1 races in a row, it’s nice to be able to watch the DTM at Hockenheim," the seven-time World Champion comments. “I especially look forward to seeing the German fans with a Formula 1 silver arrow for the first time this year. It will be my first visit to a DTM race in 20 years and I wish my brother (Ralf) and Mercedes a successful start to the season."

As the venue continues to alternate with the Nürburgring in F1, this July will see Hockenheim’s first Grand Prix for two years.