Manor F1 have confirmed 21-year-old DTM champion and Mercedes reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein will be driving for them in 2016.
The team confirmed Wehrlein would be taking the first of their two available seats for the 2016 season. Though they are yet to confirm who has secured the final seat on the grid for 2016, with a little under two weeks to go until the first test in Spain.
Wehrlein in his DTM car in 2015.
When asked about the move to the team today Wehrlein responded very positively. “Manor Racing is a great place for me to start my Formula One racing career – I’m very pleased to be here. It’s a small and totally focused team and I soon hope to know everyone.”
He was quick also quick to acknowledge the help of Mercedes, and the team boss Toto Wolff in his statement. “A word for my racing family at Mercedes-Benz, and particularly for Toto, who have guided my career this far and made this opportunity possible. Thanks for the incredible support to help me achieve my dream.”
Wehrlein was linked as a possibility to the seat early on when Manor confirmed they would be running Mercedes power units for the 2016 season. The increase in experience for Wehrlein has prompted many to question if he is lining up to take over a seat in Mercedes. Though team boss Wolff has already stated he will not be making decisions on the future drivers of his team until he sees the first part of the new season.
If Wehrlein was likely to replace a Mercedes driver it would be Rosberg. Rosberg’s contract expires at the end of this year. Though if Rosberg remains on top form and his relationship with three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton remains amicable, there is no reason Mercedes won’t extend his contract for another season. However, giving Wehrlein experience will obviously increase the team’s options.
When asked about the appointment today Stephen Fitzpatrick, Manor Racing’s owner was optimistic about their chances. “Pascal is a sharp driver with a very promising future; Manor Racing is excited to have him aboard. We’re a small team up for a big challenge this season, so we’ve chosen a driver with the talent and hunger to match our own on-track ambitions.”
The appointment comes as Manor looks to get off the back of the grid in 2016. The team have gone through a tough few years, and were saved at the last minute by Fitzpatrick in early 2015. Following the departure of Manor President Graeme Lowdon and Team Principal John Booth, the Manor team have spent the winter rebuilding their team back up from within. The teams first big signing was ex McLaren man Dave Ryan, who is now their racing director. Followed by former chief Ferrari designer Nikolas Tombazis, who is to become chief aerodynamicist at the team. Lastly Pat Fry was announced as the new engineering consultant last month.
Wehrlein will be in action alongside his to be confirmed team mate at the first pre-season test in Barcelona on the 22nd of February.
Image Credit: Manor F1 team
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pascal_Wehrlein,_DTM_2015.JPG
