Step by step, the Manor Marussia F1 Team continues to make good progress after converting the work of three positive free practice sessions into a solid qualifying performance in Shanghai this afternoon.

Will Stevens ended the day in 19th place with a time of 1:42.091, ahead of his team-mate Roberto Merhi, whose time of 1:42.842 placed him 20th.

Will Stevens: "It's always good to feel progress being made and we've been making big strides from session to session here. There's still a long way to go but the progress over the past three weekends is clear for everyone to see. The trouble-free practice sessions have really helped us to find a rhythm that has enabled us to make the right set-up changes. The car felt good and I was pretty happy with my lap, so we go into tomorrow in a comfortable position. I'm eager for my first race distance in the car and plenty more data to help the team develop, so fingers crossed we can have a good race."

Roberto Merhi: "I'm a little disappointed today but a good result for the team. This morning I experienced an electronics problem a couple of times, which lost us a little momentum and also I missed my option tyre run in FP3. Overall I think we have seen a good improvement during the weekend though, so I think we will be better in the race tomorrow."

John Booth, Team Principal: "Today's qualifying represents another good step for us, with both Will and Roberto posting times well within 107% and edging closer towards our real targets. It has been a bonus for us to enjoy trouble-free sessions, enabling us to develop the set-up of the cars, extract more of the performance and translate this into a clear improvement in pace. Both drivers are doing an excellent job, pushing themselves hard at a time when they are effectively still learning. We're looking forward to seeing them racing together tomorrow."

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