Ralf signs with Mercedes

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' with today's announcement from Mercedes-Benz. See Hot News article.

02/18/08 (GMM) Ralf Schumacher has now signed a contract to race with Mercedes-Benz in the German touring car series (DTM) in 2008, according to a German newspaper.

Bild reports that 32-year-old Schumacher, who lost his Toyota seat at the end of last season, has travelled to Stuttgart to formalize the $1 million, one-year (with an option for 2009) deal.

"I felt good in the Mercedes very quickly", Ralf said to Bild. "Häkkinen and Alesi have won races as well, and that will of course be my goal too."

Norbert Haug thinks Schumacher will need some time to adjust. "Just like any other driver, Ralf will need to have two years of learning first. There is no 'Veni, Vidi, Vici' in DTM".