Esteban Ocon is to join Mercedes DTM line-up, replacing F1-bound Pascal Wehrlein.

The 19-year-old reigning GP3 champion will be a new face on the DTM grid, but the Frenchman is no stranger to the Mercedes-Benz family.

As a Mercedes Junior, he won last year's GP3 Series, which races on Formula One weekends, and attended every DTM race as a Mercedes-AMG DTM test and reserve driver in order to gain valuable experience.

Ocon made his reserve debut at a DTM race weekend when he stood in for an unwell Daniel Juncadella during Friday practice for the 2015 season finale in Hockenheim.

"It's an incredible feeling to be part of such a professional and strong racing series," said Ocon. "I'm very pleased to be driving for Mercedes-Benz. It's the best team in the DTM and I'm very grateful for this fantastic opportunity.

"Mercedes is the most successful manufacturer in DTM history. You can only achieve that with real passion and hard work, and those are characteristics that we share. After driving in free practice during the final race weekend of the 2015 season at Hockenheim, I can't wait to start a DTM race. I obviously have a lot to learn, but my goal - and that of everyone in the team - is to fight for wins as soon as possible."

The French youngster, who was revealed as Renault's test and reserve driver last week, completes Mercedes DTM team, alongside Gary Paffett, Paul Di Resta, Robert Wickens, Christian Vietoris, Daniel Juncadella, Lucas Auer and Maximilian Gotz.

"We're aiming for stability in the team after a successful 2015," said Ulrich Fritz, Head of Mercedes-AMG DTM. "Esteban Ocon has learned a lot as our test and reserve driver and is ready for his rookie season in the DTM.

"Esteban proved his talent last year by winning the GP3 Series title. Of course, he still has much to learn, but with his seven team-mates, he can draw on the combined experience of 31 DTM seasons.

"When you start the season as defending champions, it's hard to have any other goal than winning the championship. But everyone knows just how competitive the DTM is and it won't be an easy task. I would like to especially thank our reigning DTM champion, Pascal Wehrlein, who has taken the next step in his career for 2016, as he will be tackling a fresh challenge in Formula One. Pascal remains part of the Mercedes-Benz family, and we wish him all the best in what we hope will be a successful F1 career."