After concluding his five-race run with the Manor F1 Team in Brazil earlier this month, Alexander Rossi believes he has given himself the best opportunity to secure a full-time drive with the team in 2016.
The American fulfilled his ambition to race in Formula 1 in 2015, replacing Roberto Merhi in the team for five of the last seven races alongside Will Stevens, with Rossi believing he has proven he is more than capable to race at the top level of motorsport, especially after finishing ahead of his team-mate in three of the four races they both finished.
“It’s always difficult to come in three-quarters of the way through a year,” revealed Rossi to Autosport. “But to consistently be in front of the other car, in a lot of different situations, weather conditions and environments, was a very positive thing.
“I always look back and think, ‘yeah, that could have gone better’, but from the outside looking in, I think I’ve done a good job and proven I’m more than capable of being in an F1 car and racing at this level.
“As to my chances, I’m confident. As I said, I’ve done a very good job in the car, pretty much maximised most of the weekends to give myself the best chance.”
Rossi will miss the final Formula 1 race of the season as he concentrates on his GP2 Series duties with Racing Engineering, and is looking to secure the runners-up spot behind Stoffel Vandoorne in Abu Dhabi next weekend, but believes he has proven his credentials in 2015 in both series.
“Coupled with the GP2 results I’ve had this year, I’m in a very strong position for next year,” said Rossi. “I’m in a fortunate position where I’m not just in one championship, in a car that can’t compete, I get to go and race something else.
“To have had this 2015 I’ve had, I would have never expected it at the end of last year, so I’m very happy to have experienced everything I have.
“What that means at the moment, I don’t know, because there are a lot of guys going for two seats. But I’ve got a good relationship with the team, and I have had for about a year now. It would be great to put everything together.”
