Engel, 31, spent 2016 representing Mercedes in various GT events and championships - and is also contesting his debut campaign in the all-electric Formula E championship with Venturi.

The German is also Mercedes' reserve driver in the DTM and already has four years of prior race experience in the series, having featured in the Silver Arrows' line-up between 2008 and 2011.

For Gunther, the test will mark his first DTM outing and will follow on the heels of the 19-year-old finishing runner-up in his sophomore campaign in European F3.

Mercedes has so far officially confirmed only one driver for what will be a scaled-down six-car line-up in 2017, the marque having signed series frontrunner Edoardo Mortara away from Audi.

The Jerez rookie test will take place between November 29 and December 2, with BMW having called up F3 drivers Joel Eriksson and Ricky Collard.