BERLIN, Feb 19, 2008 (AFP) - Hans Werner, boss of the German Touring Car (DTM) Championships, says the interest in Ralph Schumacher´s debut season has already boosted ticket sales and generated extra media interest.

The 32-year-old German signed for Mercedes on Monday to race in this year´s DTM championships, whose 12-race season runs from April until October, and the competition´s boss Hans Werner is already pleased with the extra publicity.

"It is great that Ralph will drive in the DTM, it is an enormous boost for us," Werner told German agency SID. "The press are already showing extra interest."

Schumacher has signed a one-year contract, with an option for an extension, having found no team to drive for in this year´s Formula One season after his contract at Toyota expired.

"Money and popularity like you get in Formula One are not the priority for me. I only want sport, fun and excitement," Schumacher told German tabloid Bild.

"I am starting from nothing. It won´t work if I, as a former Formula One driver, now say: "I am going to beat you all. I am realistic. Victories are at the outset not on the cards. I have to knuckle down and get stuck in."

Schumacher has every reason to be cautious when the season begins in Hockenheim on April 13 after former Formula One stars like Mika Hakkinen, Jean Alesi and Heinz-Harald Frentzen having struggled to make an impact.

"Someone who has drived so much Forumla One and is the most successful German driver after his brother Michael, must be able to drive a car well," added Werner.

Mercedes have said they expect Schumacher to use the first season to find his feet and Werner said he is wary after other Formula One drivers have come into DTM and failed to make an impact.

But there is no doubt the interest in having a Schumacher in DTM is proving to be a strong drawcard.

Already ticket sales have risen with DTM fans eager to see the younger brother of seven-times world champion Michael behind the wheels with plenty of DTM coverage in newspapers here.