21/10/2015
NEWS STORY
Round 16 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the 2015 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, takes the Manor Marussia F1 Team to Austin, Texas, where Alexander Rossi will be back in the car and racing on home asphalt for the first time in his fledgling Formula 1 career. Making his homeland Grand Prix debut represents the realisation of a 13 year dream for Alexander, and he couldn't be more excited to resume the fierce intra-team battle he commenced with new team-mate Will Stevens when he stepped up to an F1 race seat in Singapore last month.
Alexander Rossi: "I can't adequately describe how excited I am about competing in my home Grand Prix for the first time. Thankfully, I've been so busy with a whole bunch of PR commitments that I've been able to keep that side of it in check, but now we're just a few days out, the reality is starting to hit me and it feels great. It's a huge deal for me, not only because it makes me extremely proud to be the first American driver to race on US soil since 2007, but also because it's the realisation of a goal that I, and the people around me, have been working towards for effectively 13 years. This weekend is an opportunity to reward their support and commitment as much as my own determination as a race car driver, and I'll be giving it my all.
"I'm pretty happy with how things went in my first two races for the team, in Singapore and Japan. There's a lot to get to grips with at first, before you can really start to build some momentum, but that considered, I was pleased with my relative position at the end of those races. After a race off due to my GP2 schedule, I'm looking forward to picking up where I left off at Suzuka and enjoying a good fight with Will.
"Circuit of The Americas is an awesome track. I've driven it before and it's a real mix of some of the best circuits in the world. It's pretty fast and the frequent elevation changes make it spectacular for racing and spectating. There's going to be an amazing vibe, from the fans and having my family and friends in the crowd, so I really can't wait til we start turning wheels on Friday."
Will Stevens: "I'm really excited to be racing in Austin for the first time this weekend. It's a fantastic track with so much going on through the lap and I can't wait to experience the elevation change for myself. The city also sounds like a lot of fun. I do love America and I've spent the past few days training in Florida and getting used to the time difference, so I'm feeling fighting fit and prepared for the next races. It's good to welcome Alex back to the team, and clearly this is a big weekend for him. As you'd expect though, my objective, as always, is to beat my team-mate!"
John Booth, Team Principal: "It gives us great pleasure to provide any genuine young talent with the opportunity to showcase their potential in one of our cars, particularly in front of their home crowd. Alexander more than earned his stripes in the two races he has competed in for us so far - in Singapore and Japan - and that experience will have equipped him well for the exciting challenge of this weekend's United States Grand Prix. We have been treated to a fascinating battle between team-mates over the past few races and we are sure that, in the nicest possible way - in as much as fiercely competitive drivers can afford - Will is going be keen to spoil Alexander's party this weekend. That spirit of racing is what we are all about as a team, and although there is a championship being decided at the front of the grid, we'll have our own intense battle going on, I'm sure. Alexander is also preparing himself for a very intense weekend 'off-track'; he has one of the busiest PR schedules I have seen for a driver. Nonetheless, he is a very focused racer and he will find a way to manage the many demands on his time. For our part, we'll be aiming to continue our run of excellent reliability with another two-car finish, while contending with this track's unique characteristics and what is shaping up to be very interesting weather!"