Formula One world champions Mercedes made a surprise switch to their test arrangements yesterday, bringing in Manor driver Pascal Wehrlein for the second day in Barcelona instead of French youngster Esteban Ocon.

Ocon, who will have to wait until the second in-season test at Silverstone in July, has a Mercedes contract but is also the Renault reserve and gave positive feedback about that team’s upgraded engine on Tuesday.

“You will be surprised,” he told reporters at the Circuit de catalunya after completing 105 laps.

“I can tell it will be quicker for sure.”

The highly-rated driver, who took part in Friday practice for Renault at the Spanish Grand Prix, also said that he was excited to be driving the Mercedes this week.

The champions said instead that a race-experienced driver was needed to test new developments and turned to Wehrlein, the team’s German reserve who has been placed with Mercedes-powered Manor this season.

Red Bull, who use Renault engines with Tag Heuer branding, won Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona while Mercedes drew a blank when Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton collided and put themselves out of the race.

Wehrlein, 21, tested on Tuesday for Manor before handing the car over to the team’s British development driver Jordan King.

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