Pascal Wehrlein felt impressed with the new Manor MRT05 Formula 1 car following his first two days of testing with the team in Barcelona.
2015 DTM champion Wehrlein will make his F1 debut with Manor in 2016 after securing a seat with the British team earlier this month, and got his first taste of the team's new car at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Monday.
Speaking to the media after his first two days of testing, Wehrlein said that he was delighted to be back behind the wheel of an F1 car and felt impressed with the immediate pace of the MRT05.
"It feels great to be back in an F1 car and have a seat with Manor. I’m really happy about that," Wehrlein said.
"Yesterday we couldn’t drive so much a lot unfortunately, especially in the morning but we improved really a lot during the day. Today was a big step forward. I’m happy with that. We need to work hard for next week and then I think Australia will be not too bad.
"I think we improved the car quite a lot. So I’m happy. For sure we can improve the car but my first two days I’m impressed and really happy."
Wehrlein's quickest time was some five seconds faster than the best set by Manor in Barcelona last year on the same tyres, albeit with an all-new car and a Mercedes power unit in the back.
"I think last year, they had an old car, an old chassis. They didn’t develop so much," Wehrlein said.
"The Mercedes engine is definitely better than the 2014 engine they and many things, we have many new people and I hope I can be a reason for why it is getting quicker.
"There is more potential after two days. I hope we have not already shown our full potential. There is definitely more to come."
Wehrlein's teammate, Rio Haryanto, made his first on-track appearance for Manor on Wednesday as testing continues in Barcelona.
