Ungar departs with HWA Mercedes

Mercedes' most successful DTM team HWA has announced their CEO and technical director Gerhard Ungar have gone their separate ways after a dismal start to 2014.

The announcement comes following HWA and Mercedes failing to take away any points from the Hockenheim season opener last weekend.

Mercedes haven't won a DTM title since Paul di Resta's triumph in 2010 while only scoring two victories in the 2013 campaign.

Ungar's departure will commence with immediate effect after 26-years with the Stuttgart manufacturer, working previously in engine design and development before taking the reigns as technical director in 2000.

The German held the position of CEO since late 2012 having been a member of the HWA board since 2006.

Ullrich Fritz, who was promoted to the HWA board last winter, will shoulder the immediate responsibilities of Ungar.

Ungar was part of 10 drivers and 9 manufacturers titles within the DTM and ITC during his time with Mercedes.

"With his successes, Gerhard Unger made a crucial contribution to the DTM involvement of Mercedes-Benz and definitely left a mark," said Toto Wolf, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.

"In different leading technical positions, he created the preconditions enabling our brand to win 10 drivers' and nine manufacturers' titles, to date. An achievement we truly have to thank him for.

"Our DTM programme will be continued as scheduled, this year. Only after an extensive analysis of the current situation, a replacement for Gerhard Unger will be appointed."