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Mucke retain Pascal Wehrlein for 2013 European F3 season

by Valentin Khorounzhiy

Photo: Mucke Motorsport

German team Mucke Motorsport today officially announced that they will continue working with Pascal Wehrlein for the 2013 FIA F3 European Championship.

Wehrlein, 18, made his debut in car racing in the ADAC Formel Masters series with Mucke in 2010, where, in his first year, he took a maiden win at Sachsenring on his way to sixth in the standings. Staying with the same team in the series for another year, Wehrlein beat?Emil Bernstorff and Sven Muller in a close fight for the title, emerging as the champion with eight victories over the year.

His true breakthrough year, however, came in 2012, as Wehrlein graduated to the F3 Euro Series with Mucke and, taking the first half of the season to get to grips with the car, was soon at the front end of the pack, challenging for the title. Ultimately, he couldn’t take it away from Daniel Juncadella, but finished second, ahead of several much more experienced drivers.

“I am really looking forward to taking the next step with Mucke Motorsport,” said Wehrlein regarding his contract extension. “During the second half of last year?s season we have been the strongest team and we want to hold on to that title. Surely, it will be an advantage – entering the new season with a well-coordinated team. I want to be fighting for the title and win as many races as possible.”

Team principal Peter Mucke added: “We are happy to continue our successful collaboration with Pascal in 2013 . Also, I am delighted to see Pascal progressing within our team. The rookie championship and the surprising vice-championship titles last year are great proof of that fact. Of course, even in his second year of Formula 3, a young driver like Pascal still has to get more experience ? especially on new tracks. But Pascal is capable of fighting for the European Championship title this year. We will do our best together to achieve that”.

Running Wehrlein and Felix Rosenqvist in the 2012 season of the F3 Euro Series, Mucke Motorsport finished second in the teams’ standings, losing out only to Prema Powerteam. Mucke previously announced Mitchell Gilbert and Roy Nissany as drivers for the 2013 season.