Formula I: Alesi says merci to touring cars

Ex-Formula One racer Jean Alesi has confirmed he will join the Mercedes team in next season’s German Touring Car Championship.

The Frenchman - who drove for Prost and Jordan last season - has agreed a two-year contract with the German marque and will make his tin-top debut for Mercedes at Hockenheim next April.

He said: ‘‘I’m very much looking forward to competing in the best touring car series in the world and to race against the best touring car drivers worldwide. I consider my involvement to be a big challenge for my further racing career.’’

Mercedes motorsport director Norbert Haug said: ‘‘Jean Alesi is the perfect completion to our line-up of experienced drivers.

‘‘When the opportunity to contract Jean for the DTM arose we didn’t hesitate and now all team members are very happy to have him in a Mercedes-Benz next year.’’