: : Mercedes-Benz Owners : :

August 2010 News

		DTM podium again Bruno Spengler took advantage of misfortune in the pits for Paul di Resta to take victory in the DTM race at Lausitz. The Mercedes pair had comfortably led the race throughout, with polesitter di Resta edging away from his team-mate early on before holding the gap at around three seconds. Spengler appeared to have no answer to the Scot, but he was handed the lead when di Resta was delayed in his second stop by a problem with the left-rear wheel. The Canadian pushed while he had clear track to jump di Resta, and then pulled away in the final stint to take his first win since the Norisring in 2007. For the second time after the quadruple win in the season opener at Hockenheim, there were again three Mercedes C-Class drivers on the podium.

		Ex-army G-Wagen A rare beast at this years South Hants Vehicle Preservation Society show on June 6th was this 1988 ex-German Army Mercedes G-Wagen owned by John Wadsworth from Godalming, Surrey. This all original vehicle with just 26,000 miles to its credit has had only the one present U. K. owner since being demobbed (photo James Clevett).

		Birthday surprise Lewis Hamilton has chosen a Mercedes CL 65 AMG as a special birthday present for his father Anthony. Hamilton bought the sports car for his fathers 50th birthday, with the vehicle able to reach a top speed of 155 miles per hour. Among the features of its exterior are an AMG radiator grille with two chromed louvres, round fog lights with a chrome surround and an AMG sports exhaust with two twin chromed tailpipes. Hamilton sacked his father as his racing manager just days before the beginning of the current Formula One season, but the duo are now back on speaking terms after a falling out. According to the News of the World, he said: "I wanted to give him something special. We spoke recently and have exchanged texts. Hes OK and is coming to terms with things."

		On track: Silverstone The venue for Britains Formula 1 grand prix, Silverstone is a circuit everyone wants to drive at least once, particularly the longer layout used by the superstars, though the shorter options have plenty to offer, too, so dont count them out. Track days on the full circuit can be expensive anyway, but its worth saving up for, as its a wonderful track, and once youve driven it at speed in your Mercedes youll have a better understanding of the challenge that faces those who do it in 200mph-plus F1 cars. The Maggotts/Becketts/Chapel combination of corners is one of the best places to watch a Formula 1 car, and its also terrific to drive through in your track day Mercedes. High speed and flowing, its all about getting a fast exit on to the following straight, and it feels great when you get it just right. As you would expect, facilities and pit garages are good, too. Tel 08704 588200 www.silverstone.co.uk

		Miniature marvels Does a black/alpaca grey interior provide the most attractive contrast to the iridium silver exterior? Or is stannite grey a better choice, combined with a mocha brown/almond beige interior? It's not only customers buying a new car who are spoilt for choice when it comes to the E-Class Cabriolet. High-quality miniature versions of the open-top four-seater also offer model car enthusiasts a choice between various individual colour combinations featuring original paint finishes. All models are available from authorised Mercedes dealers.