Wehrlein to drive for Sauber

Pascal Wehrlein is to drive for Sauber for the 2017 Formula 1 season.

Wehrlein, who made his grand prix debut with Manor in 2016, is part of Mercedes' junior driver programme and was one of the candidates to take the Mercedes seat vacated by Nico Rosberg after his title success. However, Valtteri Bottas is expected to be announced as Lewis Hamilton's team-mate later this week.

He had also been linked with Force India but the 22-year-old German has agreed to join Sauber where he will drive alongside Marcus Ericsson.

“I am very delighted at being a part of the Sauber F1 Team for the upcoming Formula One Season," Wehrlein said.

"It is a new challenge in a new team, and I am really excited and looking forward to this new adventure. Our objective is to establish ourselves in the mid-field and to score points on a regular basis.

"That being said, I will do my best to support Sauber. Now I am looking forward to meeting everyone in the team and to tackling the preparations for the 2017 season. I want to say a big thank you to Sauber for trusting in me and giving me this great chance. And surely, a huge thanks also goes to Mercedes for the support.”

Team principal Monisha Kaltenborn added: “We are very pleased to confirm Pascal Wehrlein as our second race driver for the 2017 Formula One World Championship. Pascal has shown his talent throughout his career – in single seater racing as well as in the DTM.

"Last year in his rookie Formula One season, he proved his potential by scoring one point in the Austrian GP in Spielberg. There is surely more to come from Pascal, and we want to give him the chance to further grow and learn at the pinnacle of motorsport. I am confident Marcus and Pascal will form a solid combination for 2017.”

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