Wehrlein set for Ferrari development driver role

Former Mercedes junior driver Pascal Wehrlein is set to take up a development driver role at Scuderia Ferrari. The German was under contract with Mercedes until December 31st but has reportedly paid a visit to the Italian team's base in Maranello ahead of an official announcement.

Mercedes officially cut ties with Wehrlein after being unable to find him a seat in Formula One last year. Instead, the twenty-four-year-old is set to compete in Formula E this season with the Mahindra team.

With change already well underway at Ferrari with Mattia Binotto replacing Maurizio Arrivabene as team principal, Wehrlein's arrival is another move by the team planning for the future.

The former Sauber driver will replace Daniil Kvyat in the simulator and developmental role after the Russian left the team to rejoin Toro Rosso for the 2019 season.

Although no official confirmation has been made yet, Motorsport Italy reports that Wehrlein's appearance at Maranello after the conclusion of his Mercedes contract is directly linked to the filling of the role team leader Sebastian Vettel was keen to fill.