Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsManor

Wehrlein praises promising Manor package

Manor's Pascal Wehrlein wrapped up his first day as an official F1 driver with 54 laps under his belt, and a load of positive commentary about his team's new MRT05 to go with it.

The German was late to join the track on Monday morning but productive work in the afternoon put Wehrlein ninth on the timesheets, ahead of Haas' Grosjean and Renault's Palmer.

"It was a good first day in the car and I really enjoyed it," said Wehrlein.

"In the morning we completed just five laps while we worked with Mercedes HPP to make sure everything was as it should be. In the afternoon we started to get into the program and I added another 49 laps, so 54 laps in total.

"It’s a really promising package so I can’t wait to drive again [this] morning. Thanks to the team for making me so welcome. Manor Racing is already feeling a lot like home."

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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.