F1: Wehrlein's Manor 2016 chances fading
DTM champion Pascal Wehrlein's chances of a 2016 Manor Formula 1 drive are diminishing, according to Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff.
The German, Mercedes' F1 reserve this season alongside his DTM campaign, is a contender for a grand prix race seat with Manor. When asked about how negotiations with Manor were progressing, Wolff said the suggested figure of 4 million euros ($4.4m) that Mercedes would pay for Wehrlein's drive now "seems by far not enough."
GP2 race winner Rio Haryanto has also been linked with a Manor drive, having been affiliated with the team in its Virgin/Marussia era. The Indonesian is rumoured to have $15 million worth of backing from his national government, a figure that left Wolff concerned.
"With the amount that was (reported) in the media to buy a ride like this you destroy F1," he said.
If Wehrlein misses out on a 2016 F1 promotion, he is likely to defend his DTM title. The Manor situation is preventing Mercedes from finalizing its DTM lineup, with GP3 champion and marque protege Esteban Ocon keen to move into the touring car series.
Mercedes' DTM rivals BMW and Audi have already firmed up unchanged driver rosters for 2016.
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