Ericsson happy Wehrlein’s coming to Sauber

Marcus Ericsson wants to see how he sizes up

Marcus Ericsson has welcomed new team-mate Pascal Wehrlein to Sauber and believes that the "highly-rated" Mercedes protege will boost the Swiss squad.

Ericsson has been paired with Felipe Nasr at Sauber since the start of 2015 but the Brazilian has been replaced by Wehrlein, who competed for fellow backmarkers Manor last year.

Ericsson praised the caliber of Wehrlein and reckons he will have a positive influence on the outfit.

"I think it's great news for me and Sauber," Ericsson told the official F1 website.

"Pascal is a very fast and respected driver with a great CV. I think we can really push each other and the team forward, so I am looking forward to a great season.

"I honestly rate him highly. He's won the DTM championship and been part of the Mercedes family for a long time, so they seem to believe a lot in him.

"Of course, my aim is to beat him – what else – and I expect it to be a tough fight. But that's exactly what I need in order to perform at my best."

Ericsson is also optimistic that Sauber can continue to make progress, following the arrival of new investment at the team mid-2016.

"It definitely takes time, but I think it's clear that if you look at the second half of last season we really made some big progress," he commented.

"And the aim is, of course, to continue that way in 2017.

"We've had some great people decide to join the team in the last couple of months and that also makes a difference.

"So all in all it feels like we're moving in the right way. And with two young and hungry drivers in the cockpits we should be on a good run."