Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsManor

Wehrlein enjoying learning curve at Manor

40

Manor's Pascal Wehrlein continues to settle in at the British minnow outfit, the German adding 79 laps to his tally on Wednesday, his third day of running with the team's new MRT05.

Wehrlein also had a chance to sample Pirelli's softer spectrum of rubber for the very first time, and said he is enjoying the learning experience throughout a full pre-season schedule.

"It was a week since I last drove here but it was good thinking time to soak up everything I had experienced last week and prepare for a different programme this time around," Wehrlein said.

"These two days are about race simulation and qualifying preparation; my last chance until the first race in Melbourne.

"We worked our way through a pretty detailed programme and it was a really positive day. We continue to learn a lot, myself especially. One more day in the car and I think I’ll be as ready as I can be for our first race of the season."

Adding runs on the softer compounds to Wehrlein's program was important, not just in terms of measuring performance, but especially in preparation for Formula 1's proposed new qualifying format which, because of its elimination process, will require a driver to be fast out of the box.

"It would definitely be good to do some sort of qualifying practice run for Melbourne on the soft tyre," Wehrlein concluded. "But the most important thing is to get everything sorted out and be ready. And I will be ready!"

Follow live coverage and timing from pre-season testing here

GALLERY: Pre-season testing

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.