Pascal Wehrlein to test with Sahara Force India in Barcelona

February 18, 2015 by Daimler

MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team Reserve Driver to feature on two of four available running days during the second pre-season test of the 2015 season

MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS is pleased to announce that Reserve Driver Pascal Wehrlein will drive for the Sahara Force India team at the upcoming test in Barcelona, Spain, beginning 19 February.

The 20 year old German, who is also a works Mercedes AMG DTM driver, will spend two days behind the wheel of Sahara Force India's 2014 car, the VJM07.

The test will provide an opportunity for Pascal to further his Formula One experience following an impressive debut appearance with MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS at the season-ending Abu Dhabi test in 2014.

The test in Barcelona marks the beginning of Pascal's association with Sahara Force India, with participation in the two in-season tests scheduled for 2015 to follow.

Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport

'This is a great opportunity for Pascal to develop his Formula One knowledge with our friends at Force India and shows the good working relationship within the Mercedes-Benz family. Pascal impressed us with his approach to the Abu Dhabi test last year and I am sure his feedback will be useful to Force India also. It is also a valuable opportunity for him to work with another team and gain more experience. This is an important year for Pascal with his primary programme in the DTM, and also these tests to build his F1 experience. We will be following his progress on both sides with great interest.'

Pascal Wehrlein

'I am very happy that Sahara Force India has offered me the opportunity to drive their car for two days at the official test in Barcelona and that Mercedes-Benz has supported me to make this happen. As a young driver, any time you can spend in the car is extremely important and you can learn a lot. I know the simulator already, but I don´t have much experience on the track. My first goal in Spain will be to do a great job together with the team, to learn as much as possible and to give good feedback to the engineers. I have already driven the World Champion Mercedes-Benz F1 W05 Hybrid and the comparison with Sahara Force India will be very exciting for me: the way the team works, how they improve the car and handle problems - all this will help me to gain experience and to reach the next level in my development. Everybody knows that lap times only play a secondary role when you're testing. But, of course, I want to be as competitive as possible. Sahara Force India delivered a very strong performance in the last season and I hope I will be able to make a small contribution to push the team forward and be ready for the opening race in Melbourne.'

posted on conceptcarz.com