Following rumours in the German media, Manor Racing have confirmed that Pascal Wehrlein will race for them in the 2016 Formula 1 season.
The 2015 DTM Series Champion will take part in both pre-season tests in Barcelona later this month ahead of his debut Grand Prix in Melbourne. Wehrlein is pleased that Manor is the first stepping stone into his Formula 1 racing career and believes the team can challenge for points this season.
“Manor Racing is a great place for me to start my Formula One racing career,” said Wehrlein, who has chosen the number 94 as his race number, the same number he used to win in DTM. “I’m very pleased to be here. 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. It’s going to be good fun.
“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; now it’s down to me to grab the moment and perform on track.”
Manor have yet to confirm who will stand alongside Wehrlein this season but Alexander Rossi and Rio Haryanto are believed to be in the running.
