Head of Mercedes Benz Motorsport Toto Wolff believes perennial back markers Manor Racing will make a big step up in performance in 2016, and not just because of the team aligning themselves with Mercedes for their power units.

Manor have signed Nikolas Tombazis, Dave Ryan and Pat Fry in recent months to prominent positions, and last week signed Mercedes reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein, and Wolff believes the infrastructure the team are building bodes well for the future.

“Manor will make a big step up and not only because of the engine,” said Wolff on the YouTube channel of Mercedes.

“There is a good bunch of people coming together: impressive individuals, with the right budget and right attitude, and Pascal in the car.

“I have confidence that the car and driver will have highlights and be a solid midfield runner.”

Manor are still to announce their second driver for 2016, with Rio Haryanto reported to have been given additional time to secure the necessary funds to compete, although Alexander Rossi and Will Stevens are still thought to be in the frame.