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Mercedes sets 2017 date to reveal Rosberg replacement

Mercedes AMG Petronas has confirmed it won't reveal who will replace Nico Rosberg in its title-winning F1 team until 2017.

The manufacturer has spent the last two weeks sourcing a replacement for Rosberg following the newly-crowned champion's shock decision to retire immediately after the winning the 2016 F1 title.0

Several drivers have been linked with the high profile drive alongside Lewis Hamilton, including Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, but Valtteri Bottas has emerged as most likely target provided Mercedes can prise him from his Williams contract.

With Toto Wolff admitting in the wake of Rosberg's sudden exit that time is of the essence to ensure it is fully prepared for the 2017 F1 season, though a decision could be made before the end of the year it will not be made formal until January 2017 at the earliest.

It is understood Mercedes' first approach for Bottas - which includes the caveat of a reduced bill for engines and the offer of Pascal Wehrlein to replace the Finn - was turned down, but negotiations are continuing.

Zdroj: crash.net