After a solid opener at Hockenheimring, the Mercedes-Benz team is ready to get on with the second round of the 2013 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season at Brands Hatch, England, to be held this weekend.

The 1.929 km Indy Circuit will be the eighth time DTM comes over to Brands Hatch. This makes it the shortest DTM track on the current calendar, and it features a top speed of 225kph or greater at the start/finish straight. The race is slated for 98 laps, which is the most in any race for the 2013 season.

Last year’s race winner, Gary Paffett, is excited to defend the title for his home race. He cited the very different characteristics of Brands Hatch compared to Hockenheim, and the use of the new option tires should allow for an exciting race.

“I was on the front row of the grid each time in the last two races at Brands Hatch, so hopefully, I can build on that success again this year and fight for victory once more,” said Paffett.

The event will also feature a couple of English F1 drivers, Paul Di Resta of Force India – Mercedes and Jenson Button of McLaren – Mercedes. Di Resta used to race for Mercedes-Benz in the DTM, and he won the Brands Hatch race in consecutive years (2009, 2010) and was consequently the champion of the 2010 season.

The two will ferry lucky passengers in demo laps around the track for the Mercedes AMG DTM team, with Di Resta doing the rounds on Saturday, while Button takes over on Sunday.