STIHL shifts focus of DTM involvement with Mercedes-Benz to car sponsorship – new driver Robert Wickens

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STIHL has reaffirmed its commitment to the DTM by signing up as a car sponsor with Mercedes-Benz. Commencing with the season opener at Hockenheim on 5th May, the logo of the world’s best-selling chainsaw will be displayed prominently on the orange and white corporate livery of the STIHL Mercedes AMG C-Coupé. Co-sponsoring the car driven by Robert Wickens will be the popular RTL II TV show ‘GRIP – The Motor Magazine’ and its sister print publication.

STIHL already has a track record in the world’s most popular touring car series, having been the official co-sponsor of the Mercedes AMG DTM team since 2009. But the company is also involved on the practical side, with its battery-powered BGA 85 blowers being used to cool the high-performance Mercedes-Benz DTM engines during qualifying and before the race. This represents a double benefit to the team: the mobile blowers eliminate the costly use of generators and electric fans, while at the same time they employ the latest battery technology to ensure clean, quiet and energy-efficient operation.

The enhanced performance of the electronically regulated motor ensures a powerful airflow that cools the engines rapidly and conveniently. These particular STIHL appliances are more normally seen clearing leaves and other green waste in parks and public gardens around the world.

‘GRIP – The Motor Magazine’ is a popular TV show that has been aired every Sunday since 2007 on the commercial TV channel RTL II, pulling in an average audience of 800,000 viewers for its regular 6pm slot. To mark the fifth anniversary of the programme, a bi-monthly print version was launched in late 2012. Within its 132 pages, the print edition features all those topics that make GRIP unmissable for its fans: thrilling action from the racetrack, one-off luxury cars and super sports models, classic cars and iconic figures from the motorsport scene. GRIP is synonymous for motoring enthusiasm and motoring authority.

Canadian driver Robert Wickens is about to embark on his second season in the DTM. In his debut year behind the wheel of a DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé, Wickens achieved three Top Ten positions and finished 16th in the championship on 14 points. Before making the move to the DTM, he acquired experience as a Formula 1 test driver with Marussia Virgin Racing and Lotus Renault GP.

Robert Wickens: “My orange and white STIHL Mercedes AMG C-Coupé is definitely one of the coolest designs seen on the DTM grid this year. In my whole racing career, I’ve certainly never seen a paint job that I liked better. Our goal now is to make sure that we don’t just look cool but are also fast.”

Wolfgang Schattling, DTM Management and Motorsport Communication: “I am delighted that we have been able to raise our longstanding cooperation with STIHL to a new level this season and that we now have them as our latest vehicle sponsor. Since the company was founded 85 years ago, it has been renowned for its revolutionary technology and innovative ideas. The name STIHL has become synonymous with cutting-edge technology and market leadership. This premium brand also stands for quality and service, values that align perfectly with those ​​of the premium car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz.”

Jürgen Fitting, Head of Marketing Communication at STIHL: “The outstanding engineering that goes into the Mercedes AMG racing car and the fact that Robert Wickens personifies the Canadian outdoorsman very much reflects our brand values, namely uncompromising professional quality. Both car and driver are perfect brand ambassadors for STIHL.”

Credits: Daimler AG

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