Wehrlein lands Manor driver

Pascal Wehrlein has landed a Formula One drive for 2016 with the newly branded Manor team, according to reports in Germany.

The 21-year-old of dual nationality [German and Mauritian] has acted as test driver for Mercedes during 2014 and 2015, whilst continuing to race for the German manufacturer in German Touring Car series DTM.

But Mercedes really wanted to push for Wehrlein to break into Formula One and many people in the paddock believed a race seat at Manor would open up following the news that they would be using Mercedes power-units in 2016.

It is believed however that Wehrlein has earned his space on the grid on merit, with no cutprice deal agreed between the two teams.

Official confirmation is expected to come later today, but according to motorsport.com, German publication Autobild has already quoted the youngster confirming the news.

‘It has been a dream for me to become a F1 driver since my very first visit at a grand prix at the age of six, Now this dream has come true.’