The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) quickly re-established itself as a premier European racing series upon its revival in 2000. This resurgence was heavily supported by major manufacturers, including Audi, Opel, and, most notably, Mercedes-Benz. The 2004 DTM season marked a significant shift with the introduction of four-door chassis. Mercedes-Benz, a dominant force in the series, unveiled its all-new C-Klasse race car design, ready to compete. The factory-backed HWA Team entered these formidable machines for a star-studded driver lineup: four-time champion Bernd Schneider, Christijan Albers, rising talent Gary Paffett, and former Formula 1 winner Jean Alesi.
The Mercedes C-Klasse immediately made its presence felt. At the season-opening race at Hockenheim, Jean Alesi secured pole position in chassis RS04-002 – a vehicle with a noteworthy history now available for acquisition. The race itself saw further Mercedes success, with Paffett claiming victory and Schneider recording the fastest lap. The early season momentum continued as Albers triumphed at Estoril. However, Audi’s Mattias Ekström responded with consecutive wins at Adria and Lausitzring. Despite Ekström’s surge, Alesi, driving the C-Klasse, delighted fans at Adria with a strong 3rd place finish, showcasing the car’s competitive edge.
Mid-season saw a powerful counter-attack from Mercedes-Benz. Gary Paffett, demonstrating the Mercedes C-Klasse’s capabilities, secured victories at the challenging Norisring street circuit, the international stage of Shanghai, and the demanding Nürburgring. Alesi further contributed to Mercedes’ points tally with a solid 4th place in China. While subsequent races on home soil saw him finish 10th and 7th, his consistent performances highlighted the reliability and potential of the Mercedes C-Klasse throughout the demanding season.
As the season approached its climax, Audi mounted a late charge, achieving 1-2 finishes at Oschersleben, Zandvoort, and Brno. Paffett, in his Mercedes C-Klasse, remained the primary challenger to Audi’s dominance. In these final races, Alesi consistently brought his Mercedes C-Klasse home as the second Mercedes finisher, taking 10th at Oschersleben and 8th at Brno. This consistent performance culminated in a 5th place finish in the season finale at Hockenheim, securing him 7th place overall in the championship standings and solidifying the Mercedes C-Klasse’s strong debut season.
For the 2005 DTM season, chassis RS04-002, the very car driven by Alesi, was entrusted to Mücke Motorsport. Under the hands of Stefan Mücke, the C-Klasse race car achieved three more top-10 finishes, proving its continued competitiveness even as newer models emerged. In 2006, Susie Stoddart, a rising talent in motorsport, took over driving duties. She secured two further top-10 results and earned the distinction of being the highest-placed driver in a 2004-specification car in that year’s championship, demonstrating the enduring quality and engineering of the Mercedes C-Klasse chassis.
In 2007, the ownership of this historically significant Mercedes C-Klasse chassis, RS04-002, transitioned to Czech motorsport figure Antonin Charouz. Later, in 2015, it was acquired by its current owner. Under their care, the car has been meticulously restored to its original 2004 specification and livery, as evidenced by detailed photographic documentation. Since restoration, this Mercedes C-Klasse DTM car has participated in a select number of demonstration and historic racing events, preserving its racing heritage. Boasting a captivating link to Jean Alesi, a beloved figure from Scuderia Ferrari, chassis RS04-002 stands as a rare example of a modern-era DTM car in private hands. It is ideally suited for participation in numerous prestigious historic motorsport events, offering a unique opportunity to own and experience a piece of Mercedes-Benz and DTM racing history.
