Manor Racing has officially confirmed that it is to give rising star Pascal Wehrlein his F1 racing debut.

The 21 year old reigning DTM Champion and Mercedes-Benz Junior driver, from Sigmaringen in Germany, pictured here with team owner Stephen Fitzpatrick and racing director Dave Ryan, will drive the all-new MRT05 when it hits the track for testing in Barcelona on 22 February. He will take part in both pre-season tests ahead of his first Grand Prix in Melbourne.

"Manor Racing is a great place for me to start my Formula One racing career," said the youngster. "I'm very pleased to be here. It's a small and totally focused team and I soon hope to know everyone.

"Though it's my first F1 season my aim is to help Stephen and the guys achieve their goals. It will be a tough challenge but I think we should be able to challenge for points along the way. It's going to be good fun.

"A word for my racing family at Mercedes-Benz, and particularly for Toto, who have guided my career this far and made this opportunity possible. Thanks for the incredible support to help me achieve my dream; now it's down to me to grab the moment and perform on track."

"Pascal is a sharp driver with a very promising future," added Stephen Fitzpatrick, Manor Racing's owner. "Manor Racing is excited to have him aboard. We're a small team up for a big challenge this season, so we've chosen a driver with the talent and hunger to match our own on-track ambitions.

"Pascal has impressed in testing for Mercedes and Force India, together with commanding performances in DTM, culminating in the championship win last year. Manor Racing is perfectly placed to help Pascal make a big impact in his first season. We're looking forward to it!"