Ocon to be observed against "quick team-mate" Pascal Wehrlein
Thursday 25 August 2016 14:03, UK
Esteban Ocon's performances next to Pascal Wehrlein at Manor will enable Renault to see just how good he is, according to team chief Cyril Abiteboul.
The Frenchman swapped his role as Renault reserve driver for a full-time F1 seat halfway through the season after Rio Haryanto was dropped for failing to secure financial backing, and will make his debut at the Belgian GP.
Ocon, 19, is highly rated as a Mercedes youngster and GP3 champion and is a viable 2017 option for Renault with both Jolyon Palmer and Kevin Magnussen vulnerable. Abiteboul admits the team will be evaluating Ocon, who has already had four practice outings in the RS16 this year, against Manor's 2016 point-scorer Wehrlein.
"It is an outstanding opportunity for Esteban to gather mileage and race experience in a young, stable and very professional team," the Renault managing director said.
"Esteban will be up against a highly rated and quick teammate, which will enable us to evaluate him in a representative environment. I hope this experience will be of great benefit for him and for Renault in the near future."
Ocon has also tested for Mercedes this season and though Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are signed up until 2018, he and Wehrlein could represent the Silver Arrows' future.
"Manor is just the right environment for a young driver to get his first experience of F1," Mercedes boss Toto Wolff added. "A professional, small team that is on a positive upward trend and where the driver can make a real difference.
"Esteban did an exceptional job in the works Mercedes at the Silverstone test and we are excited to see him take his first steps in an F1 race environment."
Ocon will race for Manor with the number 31 on his MRT05.
