Ericsson vows to 'push ahead' with Wehrlein

Marcus Ericsson is delighted with Pascal Wehrlein's arrival at Sauber, believing the pair will form a strong partnership which will only benefit the Swiss outfit.

Wehrlein was placed at the Hinwill-based by Mercedes and replaces Felipe Nasr who lost the backing of his Brazilian sponsor despite scoring Sauber's only championship points of the season when he finsihed ninth in last November's Brazilian GP.

Ericsson saluted his new team mate and the welcome addition his talent represents.

"I think it's great news for me and Sauber," Ericsson told the official F1 website.

"Pascal is a very fast and respected driver with a great CV. I think we can really push each other and the team forward, so I am looking forward to a great season.

"I honestly rate him highly. He's won the DTM championship and been part of the Mercedes family for a long time, so they seem to believe a lot in him.

"Of course, my aim is to beat him – what else – and I expect it to be a tough fight. But that's exactly what I need in order to perform at my best."

Mercedes seat not in Wehrlein's best interest - Wolff

Ericsson also expressed optimism at Sauber's progress since the team was taken over last summer, a move which relieved the outfit of its short term financial woes.

"It definitely takes time, but I think it's clear that if you look at the second half of last season we really made some big progress," he commented.

"And the aim is, of course, to continue that way in 2017. We've had some great people decide to join the team in the last couple of months and that also makes a difference.

"So all in all it feels like we're moving in the right way. And with two young and hungry drivers in the cockpits we should be on a good run."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

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.