Monteblanco, Spain – Preparations for the new DTM season are in full swing. The Mercedes-AMG DTM Team began testing at the Spanish Circuito Monteblanco this Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016.

The two Mercedes-AMG DTM drivers Christian Vietoris and Robert Wickens were at the wheel of the two Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM cars on the first of three days of testing taking place this week.  

With a time of 1:21.653 minutes, Robert Wickens ended the first day of testing as the fastest Mercedes-AMG DTM driver in second position. His Mercedes colleague, Christian Vietoris, finished sixth in a time of 1:22.710 minutes. The two drivers covered a total of 192 laps (644.544 km) of the 3.357-km Circuito Monteblanco during the day's two test sessions.

Paul Di Resta and Gary Paffett will continue with testing on Wednesday at the Spanish track.

Robert Wickens:

"Driving the new 2016 DTM car felt just great. The car looks fantastic and ran really well too. I can't wait for the next round of testing in Hockenheim."

Christian Vietoris:

"It was great to get back in the car after such a long time. I've not driven since the last race, so it was about time. And being able to get back out on track straightaway in the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM was just the ticket. We obviously had a lot to do on the first day of testing, but I'm satisfied with things so far. Gary will take over in the car tomorrow."