After being forced to miss every session of the Australian Grand Prix, the Manor F1 Team made massive progress in Malaysia, seeing Roberto Merhi start and finish the race, although Will Stevens was unable to compete due to a fuel system problem, and heading into China this weekend, the team are hopeful of more progress and to see both cars take to the start.
Merhi was naturally delighted to get his first Formula 1 race under his belt in Malaysia, and is looking forward to getting back out on track in China, admitting his eagerness to get started. He is also looking forward to learning the Shanghai circuit, on which he has no previous experience.
“I was very pleased to complete my first F1 race in Malaysia two weeks ago and I’m really looking forward to the next one here in China,” said Merhi.
“The challenge of getting to know a new track is very exciting for me, especially one that places a lot of demands on the driver, as is the case here at Shanghai. In particular, Turn 1 is a pretty exciting start to the lap, which is a real test of skill, and the section from turns 7-10 looks really interesting because it’s quite fast and flowing.
“I can’t wait to get started on Friday.”
Despite being forced to miss both qualifying and the race in Malaysia, Stevens felt there were still positives to be found at the Sepang circuit when he did find himself out on track. He is hoping to build on those positives this weekend, and finally make his first start of the season.
“There were some positive signs at Sepang with the running I was able to achieve, so I’m looking forward to building on that here in China,” said Stevens.
“It’s been good to have the data from Roberto’s race there for the team to work with and I’m hoping that we can start to get into a good rhythm from this weekend.
“It’s always good to tackle a circuit I’ve never raced at before and this one has some nice challenges for both car and driver, so it will be good to experience those and to start getting to grips with the car a little more.”
