F1 – Pascal Wehrlein started by Manor Racing

The only team to have not yet established its duo for the coming season in F1, Manor Racing formalized this Wednesday the arrival of German Pascal Wehrlein in its ranks for 2016. The 21-year-old driver is coming off a successful 2015 in DTM, with the title obtained with Mercedes, and will begin with the first test session in Barcelona on February 22 at the wheel of the MRT05. Also a test driver for the F1 star, Wehrlein had been in the running to join the team for several weeks.

“This will not be an easy challenge, comments the German, but I think we should be able to fight for points during the season. I also want to say a word to Mercedes-Benz, and in particular to Toto wolff, who have guided my career to date and made this opportunity a reality. It’s now up to me to seize this chance and perform well on the track. »

Remember that Manor will benefit in 2016 from the supply of the Mercedes V6 turbo/hybrid Power Unit. The team will benefit from several reinforcements on the technical level, with the arrivals of Nicholas Tombazis to the position of head of aerodynamics, or even of Pat Fry, who will serve as an engineering consultant.

After the departures of Graeme Lowdon and John Booth at the end of last season, who will be entered in the WEC with an Oreca 05 in 2016, Dave Ryan was also entrusted with the position of sports director. The team has yet to confirm its second driver, a place which could be played out between Alexander Red and Ryo Haryanto.