This Wednesday, Ralf Schumacher completed his first laps of testing at the wheel of the AMG Mercedes C-Class. “It’s a good experience and big fun,” the German said following his first laps completed at Estoril, Portugal. On Thursday, the six-time Grand Prix winner is going to continue testing at the 4.36-kilometre circuit located west to Lisbon.

“I don’t want to raise too high hopes”, said Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Director Norbert Haug. “Ralf is executing tests - and to date, nothing else has been discussed. Should he be inspired by the tests and the same can be said about us, then it’s time to continue the discussions.” Still, Haug stresses that Ralf’s tests mustn’t be regarded as commercial gimmick.

ITR Chairman Hans Werner Aufrecht would love to welcome Ralf Schumacher on the DTM grid. “With his experience and personality, Ralf would represent a true asset for DTM,” he said. “Signing him would definitely be a great move for both the series and its fans.”

Right after having completed his first laps of testing at the wheel of the AMG Mercedes C-Class, Ralf was praised by numerous DTM insiders. “Should he be fast enough, I would advise Mercedes-Benz to offer him a DTM seat,” said former DTM ace Christian Danner. “DTM represents the perfect field of activity for Ralf. I cross my fingers that it works. It’s a chance he has deserved to get.”

Five-time DTM Champion Bernd Schneider would welcome the newcomer with the big name with open arms. “From my point of view, Ralf’s recent Formula 1 results didn’t reflect his true competitiveness,” said Schneider. “When racing for BMW he proved that he has got what it takes to win races. Hence, he can’t be that bad.” The German is convinced that Ralf will be able to battle it out at the front end of the DTM field when racing a competitive car.

For ‘Touring-Car King’ Klaus Ludwig, Ralf Schumacher most definitely would represent an asset for DTM: “He is a superstar, that’s a fact.” Former DTM driver Michael Bartels also is convinced that Ralf will be able to go really fast, with the DTM Mercedes. “He will have a lot of fun in this series,” the 39-year old thinks. “At the same time, driving in DTM also represents hard work. Often, thousandths of a second turn out to be crucial, here. Therefore, he will have to really go for it to succeed in DTM.”

Ralf is due to drive again on Thursday, with Bild saying talks with Norbert Haug about a possible 2.5 million euro retainer to race this year may then begin.

Haug, Mercedes' competition director, observed: "His lap times were very satisfactory."