Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsManor

Wehrlein back in the frame at Manor

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Mercedes protégé Pascal Wehrlein has now become the front-runner to land a race seat with Manor for 2016.

It is believed that the British minnow outfit had been waiting out on an eventual opportunity to sign Kevin Magnussen, a hope which has now vanished with the Dane's recent enrollment by Renault.

Consequently, talks are once again underway with Wehrlein and Mercedes, Manor's power unit supplier this year in Formula 1.

The German manufacturer has been grooming its DTM champion for the big time, allocating Wehrlein track time and testing experience with its own team as well as with Force India.

But budgetary constraint put a cap on Mercedes' support although a race seat at Manor appears to be within the manufacturer's determined means.

Manor remains however in discussion for with several other potential candidates, namely American Alexander Rossi and Malaysian-backed Rio Haryanto, as well as with its 2015 driver Will Stevens.

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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.