With the Marussia and Caterham F1 teams making their exit in F1 and Toro Rosso completing their line up for 2015, the drivers market for new talent in F1 is closed. Yes, if you want to 'play' test driver for a lot of money there are some opportunities left.
But there is a shift happening, talented drivers of F3, GP2, Formula Renault are seriously considering a career change, or better said focus on an other final goal. And it seems DTM is the next best thing. Over the last few years, after the introduction of the 'new DTM' cars in 2012 and the entry of BMW the level of the competition has increased. The peformance levels of the DTM are impressive; underneath the skin these cars are like formula racers. V8 engines, 500 hp and DRS like F1 but with a beautiful engine sound. This week BMW planned it's DTM rookie test at Jerez. 8 rookies from different series are tested by BMW and might get a driving seat for 2015. So far, Marco Wittmann is the only confirmed driver to continue driving for BMW in the DTM for the 2015 season. So that gives these young and talented drivers a chance to shine at a high level in an international race series.
You would almost wonder why you should make such an effort to get in a f1 seat when you can compete in this series at a more level plain field and even get paid good money for it.
But there is a shift happening, talented drivers of F3, GP2, Formula Renault are seriously considering a career change, or better said focus on an other final goal. And it seems DTM is the next best thing. Over the last few years, after the introduction of the 'new DTM' cars in 2012 and the entry of BMW the level of the competition has increased. The peformance levels of the DTM are impressive; underneath the skin these cars are like formula racers. V8 engines, 500 hp and DRS like F1 but with a beautiful engine sound. This week BMW planned it's DTM rookie test at Jerez. 8 rookies from different series are tested by BMW and might get a driving seat for 2015. So far, Marco Wittmann is the only confirmed driver to continue driving for BMW in the DTM for the 2015 season. So that gives these young and talented drivers a chance to shine at a high level in an international race series.
You would almost wonder why you should make such an effort to get in a f1 seat when you can compete in this series at a more level plain field and even get paid good money for it.