Wehrlein confident in Manor's 2017 potential

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Pascal Wehrlein is confident in Manor's future potential, to the point where he would even be willing to race with the minnows outfit for a second year.

Wehrlein scored his first championship point in Austria recently, and while Manor's performance has greatly improved this season, thanks in large part to its Mercedes power unit, the young German hopeful is believed to be honing his skills with the British team before hopefully moving on to greater things.

But the Mercedes protégé says that in the event that no other opportunities emerge, then he would be perfectly happy to stay on for a second year and help Manor move further up the ranks.

"Of course I would like to go to Mercedes straight away and win races and hopefully championships but if there's no opportunity I'm also happy to get another year with Manor," Wehrlein said.

"I really like the team, I like how the team is working and I think the team is the same with me. I think they enjoy working with me."

With a year of experience under his belt, the German believes there may be a few benefits associated with staying with Manor next season, especially as the year will also see the introduction of a new set of rules.

"I think next year is a big chance for every team to improve their position. With new regulations it's always a bit of an unknown where to go and what the direction is. The first year of regulation changes you never know who is going to be competitive and who is not.

"I think Manor could be a very competitive team next year. Even some people joined very late last year or the beginning of this year and the car was designed for this year already so I think next year's car we have even more input coming from more people."

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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.