Manor confirms Wehrlein as race driver

Manor Racing have finally confirmed their first racing driver for 2016, appointing Mercedes-linked Pascal Wehrlein the first of their two available seats for the 2016 Formula One season.

"Manor Racing is a great place for me to start my Formula 1 racing career," said Wehrlein.

"It's a small and totally focused team and I soon hope to know everyone.

"Though it's my first season my aim is to help [owner] Stephen [Fitzpatrick] 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.

"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 meanwhile not revealed the identity of their second driver, even though Rio Haryanto, a 23-year old Indonesian has long been rumoured to be in discussions with the team.