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Mücke Motorsport and Schaeffler Paravan Technologie have unveiled a new technological collaboration that will see the team’s #18 Mercedes-AMG GT3, to be driven by two-time DTM champion Gary Paffett, become the first car in DTM history to utilise Space Drive technology.
Focused on the car’s steering system, Space Drive will allow Gary’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 to compete with no mechanical connection between the steering unit and the steering rack. The system has been successfully designed and developed under racing conditions over the past two years, notably in the GTC Race series and at last year’s Nurburgring 24 Hours.
Following its successful implementation, the time is right to introduce the technology to the competitive world of DTM as the championship enters a new era of racing with the introduction of GT3 specifications in 2021.
Utilising his wealth of knowledge and experience with two DTM titles and 23 race wins, Gary makes an emphatic return to the series in 2021 and will help push forward the further development of the system throughout the season in close collaboration with the team and Schaeffler Paravan Technologie’s engineers.
“It was great to get back into a GT3 car,” Gary said. “Driving with steer-by-wire steering was something completely new for me. It felt very similar compared to conventional steering. Of course, there are small differences, but I was very happy with the response and feedback. The project has a lot of potential for the development of future technologies. It’s great to be part of this development process and to be able to race as well.”
With an exciting season in prospect, Gary will take the innovative new technology to its DTM debut at Monza on the 18-20 June.
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