Share this article on LinkedIn Email

Ralf Schumacher has decided to retire from motor racing, and will switch to a managerial role in the DTM instead.

The German had been announced as one of Mercedes' six drivers for the 2013 season, but just two months ahead of the first race at Hockenheim he has informed the outfit that he no longer wishes to continue competing.

Instead, AUTOSPORT has learned that Schumacher, 37, will take on management responsibilities with Mucke Motorsport.

Furthermore, Mercedes has recruited him to help out with coaching duties for the youngsters in its DTM squad.

Schumacher's place in the Mercedes squad will be taken by teenager Pascal Wehrlein, who was last year's F3 Euro Series runner-up with Mucke. Wehrlein will drive alongside Daniel Juncadella at the team.

There has been no official statement from Mercedes about the Schumacher situation, but news of his decision is expected to be announced on Saturday.

Only a few weeks ago, Mercedes motorsport director Toto Wolff said that Schumacher's involvement with the squad was vital.

"The performance on-track is the most important thing, and we need to look at how he develops this year, how his results look and how the young guys will develop with him," Wolff told AUTOSPORT.

"He's going to play a very important role in getting the new kids out of the starting blocks well. I see him and his experience very much as a central role around his engagement."

Ralf Schumacher's DTM CV

Debut: 2008

Starts: 52

Laps led: 30

Poles: 1

Best finish: 2nd

Podiums: 2

Fastest Laps: 1

Points: 46

Best championship finish: 8th (2011)