Is this the clue Mercedes have signed Valtteri Bottas? Pascal Wehrlein joins Sauber
PASCAL WEHRLEIN has been confirmed by Sauber as their second driver for 2017, a move that suggests Mercedes are now confident of signing Valtteri Bottas.
Pascal Wehrlein will drive for Sauber this year after being at Manor Racing in 2016
Wehrlein is part of the Mercedes driver development programme and emerged as an early favourite to replace Nico Rosberg when the 2016 world champion retired suddenly at the end of last season.
However, Mercedes are understood to have moved him down their wish-list because of concerns over his lack of impact at Manor in 2016.
Instead, they have been targetting Williams driver Valtteri Bottas, who deputy team principal Claire Williams revealed yesterday would probably be allowed to leave the team.
"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."
Very happy to announce that I will drive for @SauberF1Team 2017! ☺️
— Pascal Wehrlein (@PWehrlein) January 16, 2017
Thank you @SauberF1Team thank you @MercedesAMGF1!
"Pascal has shown his talent throughout his career – in single seater racing as well as in the DTM," said Monisha Kaltenborn, Sauber team principal.
"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."