Jake Dennis believes that Aston Martin's lack of DTM experience should not prevent them from challenging series veterans Audi and BMW.
Dennis, driving for R-Motorsport's Aston Martin outfit alongside Paul di Resta, Daniel Juncadella and Ferdinand Habsburg, will be making his second race start at this weekend's championship round at Zolder.
Speaking to Motorsport Week, the Briton said he doesn't believe Aston Martin's limited DTM experience compared to Audi and BMW will be an issue.
"Obviously, BMW and Audi have lots of experience," Dennis said. "But with the people we have on board from R-Motorsport and Vynamic, they’re second to none, really.
"We know how to win championships, and we have the right personnel to perform. I think, with the performance we had at Hockenheim, there’s no reason why we can’t take it to them."
Dennis admits the first season is likely to be a learning curve, but is confident Aston Martin can pick up podiums this season:
"It’ll be difficult in our first season, but for the the future, there’s no reason why we can’t battle for the championship in the seasons ahead. This year’s a learning season for us to get as much knowledge as possible, and then hopefully by mid-season we’ll be battling for consistent podiums and see where we’re at."
The second round of the 2019 DTM season continues this weekend, with the first race set for Saturday afternoon, with the second race set to follow on Sunday.