Bernd Schneider (born 20 July 1964 in St. Ingbert) is a racing driver from Germany. He is a five-time Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters champion, and a Mercedes Brand Ambassador.

Career

Early years

Schneider was named after legendary driver Bernd Rosemeyer, winner of the 1936 European Drivers' Championship. Introduced to karting at an early age, he displayed an obvious talent for racing. After several years in the junior kart series, Schneider won the 1980 German Kart championship. Two years later, he would win the 1982 European Kart championship with the national team. In 1983, he won the African kart championship. Single seater racing

The next few years, Schneider would race in the various Formula Ford series in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. In 1986, he joined the German Formula Three circuit, winning the title the following year in 1987.