Manor Racing signs Pascal Wehrlein for 2016

D Germany will be represented in 2016 with 4 drivers in Formula 1 his. Manor Racing officially announced on Wednesday (February 10, 2016) what had already been suggested in the past few days: Pascal Wehrlein will be signed as a regular driver for the coming season. The Swabian, whose mother is from Mauritius, signed a one-year contract.

'Pascal is a strong driver with a bright future. Manor Racing is delighted to have him on board. We are a small team that is in This season is facing a big challenge. For this reason we have chosen a driver who has the talent and the hunger to achieve the goals we have set ', said Manor owner Stephen Fitzpatrick, explaining the decision.

Wehrlein thanks to Mercedes support for Manor

The talent and DTM successes of the Sigmaringer native, who now lives in Worndorf on the outskirts of the Swabian Alb, were not the only factors that made the promotion into the premier class . Wehrlein had a bonus in his pocket that weighs heavily: Manor could become Mercedes' B-Team. In a first step, the aerodynamicists should be able to use the Mercedes wind tunnel in Brackley. And the drivers the simulator of the world championship team.

For a small team like Manor, such a technology partnership is as valuable as a large sponsor. Mercedes benefits because its own young driver can gain racing experience. 'Manor Racing is in the best possible position to give Pascal the opportunity to make an impression in his first season. We look forward to it!' Said Fitzpatrick. As Wehrlein confirmed at the request of auto motor und sport, he will continue to be part of the Mercedes team.

In recent years, Manor - or the predecessor racing team Marussia - has not been able to tear anything in terms of sport. In the winter break of 2014/2015, the team almost went bankrupt. The performance on the route also suffered from the chronic lack of funds. But in 2016 everything should get better. The team from Banbury is switching from old Ferrari engines to modern Mercedes engines. The transmission and suspension parts of the new MRT05 come from Williams.

Wehrlein thanks Mercedes

Wehrlein is convinced: 'Manor Racing is the right place to start my Formula 1 career. I am overjoyed to be hereto be. The team is small and highly concentrated. I hope that I will get to know everyone on the team quickly. Even though it's my first season in F1, I want to help Stephen and the guys achieve their goals. It's going to be a tough task, but I think we should be able to fight for points over time. '

Wehrlein knows who he owes his regular place in Formula 1 to:' At this point I want to I would also like to mention my motorsport family at Mercedes-Benz and especially Toto, who has guided my career so far and has now given me this opportunity. Thank you very much for the incredible support and help that made my dream come true. Now it's up to me to take the chance and perform well on the track. '

On Wednesday, Wehrlein was in the Manor factory for an inaugural visit and seat adjustment. There he presented himself to the team leader, the According to the pilot, the car will be ready in time for the first test on February 22. However, Wehrlein did not express any excessive expectations: 'The gap was quite large last year. I want to learn and grow together with the team this year. I hope that we can catch up and ride. What I've seen so far makes me optimistic. '

Who will be Wehrlein's teammate?

After the One month before the start in Melbourne there is only 1 cockpit free in the Formula 1 field - second place next to Wehrlein at Manor. As in previous years, the driver, who is the most sponsor, will probably get the job -Money on the table.

Last year's Manor driver Alex Rossi from the USA is the favorite. But the Indonesian Rio Haryanto has also offered his sponsorship millions. Season not yet collect enough points for the necessary F1 super license.

In our gallery we have collected some pictures from the short but successful career of Pascal Wehrlein.