Toto Wolff is backing new Mercedes customer Manor to challenge the Formula One midfield this season.
Manor heads into 2016 with a new supply of Mercedes engines, a technical partnership with Williams and reigning DTM champion Pascal Wehrlein signed to one of its two seats. The Mercedes junior driver is one of a number of new signings for the new campaign including Dave Ryan and former Ferrari personnel Pat Fry and Nikolas Tombazis.
Manor has been a backmarker for all of its tenure in Formula One, including 2015, though it started the season late after recovering from administration and competed with year-old Ferrari engines. Mercedes boss Wolff is confident Manor is now equipped for a leap up the grid.
"Manor will make a big step and not just because of the engine," he said. "There is a good bunch of people coming together, impressive individuals with the right budget and attitude. I have confidence that the car and driver will have highlights and could be a solid midfield runner."
Wehrlein's team-mate for the upcoming season is yet to be confirmed. Axed Renault driver Pastor Maldonado has already ruled out taking the vacant seat, which has been linked to Ryo Harayanto, Alexander Rossi and Will Stevens.