Newly signed Manor F1 driver Pascal Wehrlein says he is aiming to score points in his debut season.
The 21-year-old moves into the sport after becoming DTM champion last year with Mercedes-Benz and expressed his delight of entering the pinnacle of motorsport: “Manor Racing is a great place for me to start my Formula One racing career – I’m very pleased to be here. It’s a small and totally focused team and I soon hope to know everyone.”
His talent alongside the Mercedes power unit and Williams’ technical parts on the car could help the team move up the grid, and he thinks the team could finish in the points at some stage.
“Though it’s my first Formula One 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 owner Stephen Fitzpatrick was excited to have the German driving for the team in 2016: “Pascal is a sharp driver with a very promising future; Manor Racing is excited to have him aboard.
“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. We’re looking forward to it.”
He becomes the penultimate driver to be confirmed on the grid for the coming season, with a second seat at the team waiting to be filled.
The full launch of Manor’s 2016 F1 challenger is expected to be announced on February 22.
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