Mercedes' Pascal Wehrlein still targeting 2016 F1 race seat

Only Manor's two seats remain available next season; Wehrlein became youngest ever DTM champion in 2015

By William Esler

Image: Pascal Wehrlein is aiming for an F1 seat in 2016

Mercedes reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein has told Sky Sports he is still aiming to be on the Formula 1 grid in 2016.

Only the two Manor seats remain available for next season and the team will have links with Mercedes in 2016 as they swap Ferrari power for the class-leading German unit.

Wehrlein clinched the DTM title in 2015, becoming the youngest ever champion in the series' history, and has also gained F1 experience testing for Mercedes and Force India.

"At the moment, I really don't know. I hope I will get a drive in Formula 1, but there are not many cockpits left for next year so it won't be easy," Wehrlein told Sky Sports.

"I hope that we can find something and if not, I think I will do something similar to this year, so DTM and reserve driver and a few tests and then hopefully 2017."

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Image: Pascal Wehrlein has tested for Mercedes in 2015

The DTM title is one of the most prestigious in motorsport, not just touring car racing, and the 2015 field included ex-F1 drivers Paul di Resta and Timo Glock, as well as former F1 test drivers Gary Paffett, Antonio Felix da Costa and Daniel Juncadella.

"It is great, it was my big target this year to win the DTM championship," Wehrlein added.

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"I was still 20-years-old at Hockenheim when I won it and to be the youngest DTM champion ever feels great."

Wehrlein will have the opportunity to further his F1 experience at a 12-hour Pirelli tyre test in Abu Dhabi, confirming he would be driving for Mercedes.

Watch the Abu Dhabi GP live on Sky Sports F1. Race-show coverage begins at 11:30am on Sunday with lights out at 1pm. Watch all three days of the Abu Dhabi GP for £10.99 on NOW TV. No contract.

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