Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMercedes

Mercedes F1 test driver Wehrlein clinches DTM title

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Mercedes protégé Pascal Wehrlein conquered the 2015 DTM at Hockenheim on Saturday by finishing eighth, which was more than enough to secure his championship crown.

A day before his 21st birthday, Wehrlein became the youngest ever DTM champion. The Mercedes Petronas F1 test driver has only two wins under his belt this season but consistent point scoring put him out of reach of his rivals.

Wehrlein has enjoyed a close working relationship with his employer in Formula 1, testing with Mercedes as well as with Force India on several outings in the past two seasons.

One would suppose that the German manufacturer would now be interested in further honing its protégé's obvious skills, perhaps by placing the young DTM champion with Manor next year, as the small British outfit prepares to change to Mercedes power in 2016.

While Manor's new deal will hopefully help it attract bigger budgets from prospective sponsors and its pay drivers, Mercedes, who does not have a dedicated young driver programme, has warned that it would not be willing to pay Manor for contracting Wehrlein.

"The harsh financial reality is that Manor needs to refinance itself and raise the budget," said Mercedes' head of motorpsort, Toto Wolff.

" I'm not sure if we would be prepared to place a driver with budgets that they could probably raise in a driver market if we are supplying engines, because that is a more attractive offer for a young driver."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.