‘Wehrlein, Ocon roles proof talent is rewarded’

Toto Wolff has praised Pascal Wehrlein and Esteban Ocon after both landed roles in this year’s F1 field, saying he is pleased that talent has been rewarded.

Earlier this week Manor confirmed that Wehrlein, the 2015 DTM Champion, would race for them this season while Ocon has secured the role of Renault test and reserve drive.

Both drivers belong to Mercedes, with Wehrlein recently revealing that Wolff played an integral part in the talks with the Mercedes-powere Manor team.

The Brackley-team also gave Ocon the go-ahead to sign with Renault.

“We’re delighted that Pascal and Esteban will tackle a fresh set of challenges in 2016,” said motorsport boss Wolff.

“Our aim is to build their experience in the best possible environment and, following positive discussions with our counterparts at Manor and Renault, it became clear that their respective Formula 1 programmes presented ideal opportunities to achieve that.

“It is very pleasing to see young drivers earning their spot in Formula 1 on merit and to see that talent is being rewarded by the system.

“Pascal and Esteban have proven themselves to be amongst the top young drivers out there – and both come into 2016 as champions of their respective series. But they still have plenty to learn and they will be staying humble, with their feet on the ground.

“This is an important year for them and we will be following their progress with great interest, while also looking to expand our junior programme.

“Mercedes-Benz has a strong tradition of developing young racing talent and our eyes are very much open to other promising prospects for the future.”