- Mercedes
Wehrlein: Mercedes speaking to FIA about 2016 superlicence
Mercedes reserve Pascal Wehrlein does not think he will need to gain superlicence points in another series if he wants a full-time F1 drive in 2016, despite recent rule changes.
Last year the FIA introduced a new superlicence points system set to commence in 2016, from when on drivers will need to have accumulated 40 points in a three-year period. Points are awarded for finishing in top ten positions in certain championships outside of F1.
Other than his career in DTM, where he won a race last year for HWA at Lausitz, Wehrlein currently does not have the points to enter F1 next year despite being Mercedes reserve driver. He is set for another season of DTM this year but the series is not included in the FIA's list of points-paying championships.
The German, who has also been testing for Force India as well as Mercedes this winter, says the team has raised the issue with the sport's governing body.
"This side of things Mercedes has discussed with the FIA," Wehrlein said. "For this season I have the superlicence because I achieved it last year, so for this season it wouldn't be a problem [to race]. But for 2016 we have a new points system so let's see. I've done already so much testing this year it shouldn't be a problem to race next year in Formula One. But let's see. This year I'm driving a bit of Formula One, I'm driving a DTM season and I'm trying to do my best."
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