Niki Lauda has a novel, if unrealistic, proposal to get more value out of F1's highly-paid drivers and at the same time help another premier series stave off the effects of the global financial crisis.

The former champion wants racers like 2008 title winner Lewis Hamilton, and rising star Sebastian Vettel, to double up and race in the German premier touring car category DTM.

"In these difficult times Mercedes could use Hamilton (for its DTM team)," the Austrian told the German language news magazine Focus, explaining that F1 drivers this year will not be deployed on circuits so much due to the total ban on in-season testing.

"And Vettel could be put to use by Red Bull-Audi," Lauda continued.


He said his scheme would give F1 employers more value for their money, and boost the popularity of the DTM, whose 2009 calendar does not include too many clashes.

Lauda said he does not agree with proposals to cap or limit F1 drivers' salaries.

"Utter nonsense. It is a free market," he insisted.

E.A, Source: GMM
© CAPSIS International

 

That's not actually all that bad of an idea. A whole bunch of F1 drivers either got started in DTM or went to the series after retiring from F1. It would be fun to see some big name, current F1 drivers in the sport. Unfortunately, DTM doesn't get much television coverage outside of Europe. I'd love to see Hamilton and Vettel, as well as Massa and Raikkonen racing DTM in the off-season. I'm not sure how the DTM schedule fits with the F1 schedule but if the off season for F1 was during the main part of the DTM season, it would work. If the schedules classes, there'd be no way it would work. F1 drivers are too busy with sponsor obligations during the season to make it work.

 

so he wants Benz to risk their golden child in races far less important than F1? good luck with that one.

 

I don't see how it's a risk but either way I don't see it happening

 

injuries...I agree, it is a little risky.