Pascal Wehrlein to test for Force India F1 this week

Mercedes DTM driver Pascal Wehrlein is to test with Force India this week in Barcelona, getting two full days at the wheel of the VJM07, the team’s contender from last Formula 1 season.

Wehrlein became the reserve driver for the title winning Mercedes F1 team last year, testing with them back in the summer. At the end of season testing in Abu Dhabi, the 20-year old made his debut with Force India, with an impressive performance.

Totto Wolff, Head of Mercedes Benz Motorsport, outlined the importance of the test for Wehrlein’s development as a racing driver: “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 is looking forward to the technical work he will be doing in Barcelona: “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.”

The Mercedes driver has been competing in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters for two years, achieving his first pole position and race victory at the Lausitzring in 2014. Wehrlein is confirmed in the ranks of HWA AG for the 2015 DTM season.