Top DTM driver Marco Wittmann has admitted that his Formula 1 dream may never come true.

The 26-year-old won the German touring car series in 2014, and is the favourite to back that up with this year's title as well.

Although he has tested for Toro Rosso, Wittmann told Kicker when asked about Formula 1: "I do not have the money.

"So I remain a realist and say to myself 'There are other things'.

"Formula 1 is definitely the dream of every racing driver, but when I see what all the young drivers have to bring in terms of money, then it's really, really extreme."

Referring to his Toro Rosso test, he said: "It was a really great experience and a great opportunity for me.

"But I prefer to be a factory driver for BMW at the front in DTM, winning podiums and races, than driving for a backmarker team hoping to finish 18th.

"Personally, I believe that the level of the drivers in DTM is higher even than in Formula 1."

DTM drivers to have made the jump from F1 include Paul di Resta, Pascal Wehrlein and Esteban Ocon.