F1: Pascal Wehrlein will drive for Manor Racing in 2016
Mercedes protégé and reigning DTM champion Pascal Wehrlein has been confirmed in a Manor Racing seat for this season.
The news is not entirely unexpected given that the team is using Mercedes power units this year, and the deal has been engineered by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
"Pascal is a sharp driver with a very promising future," Manor team owner Stephen Fitzpatrick said. "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."
"Pascal has impressed in testing for Mercedes and Force India, together with commanding performances in DTM, culminating in the championship win last year. Manor Racing is perfectly placed to help Pascal make a big impact in his first season," Fitzpatrick added.
Several names had been mentioned in connection with a Manor drive. Alexander Rossi remains in the list of possibilities for the other seat, although Indonesian GP2 driver Rio Haryanto is known to have a big budget and potential financial backing from his home country.
"Manor Racing is a great place for me to start my Formula One racing career," Wehrlein said. "It's a small and totally focused team and I soon hope to know everyone. Though it's my first F1 season my aim is to help Stephen and the guys achieve their goals. It will be a tough challenge but I think we should be able to challenge for points along the way."
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