Where do Formula 1 drivers go when they retire? Well, some like Eddie Irvine can relax in a very nice place, invest their millions in other businesses and enjoy life. They can also become drivers’ managers, like Keke Rosberg, team owners, like Jackie Stewart, or make a comeback, like Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen.

Another option is to continue racing in another series. The German Touring Car Championship, or DTM, has become quite attractive lately, with the likes of Ralf Schumacher, Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard competing in the series.

Even though only the Finn (who has moved on to GT3 racing with the SLS AMG) is a former F1 champion, his former team mate at McLaren-Mercedes with 13 wins under his belt, is also a high-profile member of the Mercedes DTM driver line-up.

In the video that follows, Coulthard, who is getting ready for his third season in the series, explains the differences between the new 2012 DTM C-Class and the car it replaces.

The fact that the new Mercedes is a coupe and not a saloon like its forbearer is perhaps the most obvious, but not the only difference. In fact, DTM organizers have completely revamped the rules in order to maximize the drivers’ safety, reduce costs and ensure much closer racing.

You can watch the 2001 Formula 1 runner-up display the various elements of the 2012 C-Class Coupe DTM racer right after the break.

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