Landgraf to Make Series Return After One-Year Absence

Team Landgraf will return to form part of Mercedes-AMG’s four-car DTM stable after a year’s absence, while Jules Gounon and Tom Kalender both make their full-time series debuts.

Landgraf last competed in the German sprint series in 2023, but went absent from the series last year as the Stuttgart brand downscaled its operations from three to two teams.

However, with Haupt Racing Team parting ways with Mercedes-AMG in favor of a switch to Ford, it leaves the way clear for Landgraf to return to DTM after a one-year absence.

Mercedes-AMG factory driver Lucas Auer will spearhead the team’s driver lineup, joined in the second car by junior driver and series newcomer Kalender.

Kalender, 17, steps up to DTM after claiming the ADAC GT Masters title with Landgraf last year and will become the youngest driver in series history when he debuts in the Oschersleben season opener in April.

Winward Racing, meanwhile, returns for a fifth season with Maro Engel and Gounon as drivers.

While Engel is set to embark on a ninth campaign in the series, teammate Gounon steps up to a full-time role for the first time after making his debut last year as a stand-in for Luca Stolz at the Hockenheim finale.

The Andorran will combine his duties with his commitments as an Alpine Hypercar driver in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

“The connection between Mercedes-AMG and the DTM has a long tradition,” said Christoph Sagemueller, head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport.

“We are the most successful brand in the DTM. In addition to defending the manufacturers’ title, we are clearly also aiming for the drivers’ championship again.

“In doing so, we are relying on a powerful line-up. In addition to two very professional teams and three extremely experienced drivers, we also have the youngest driver in the DTM field to date.

“In my opinion, it’s a very good mix with great potential to continue our commendable story.”