01/11/2015
NEWS STORY
The Manor Marussia F1 Team wrote a fantastic next chapter in the Alexander Rossi Vs Will Stevens story today, during a thrilling Formula 1 Gran Premio de México 2015 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The pair enjoyed a spectacular scrap throughout each of the race's 71 laps, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats and culminating in an impressive 12th two-car finish for the team this season. Alexander crossed the line in 15th place, while Will took 16th.
Alexander Rossi: "I got a great start and a good run down to the first corner. I was pleased to keep three world champions behind me for a time, however brief. Things started out well, but a few laps in I was really struggling with the car on those tyres, so I was losing a very worrying amount of time. Thankfully, the next two stints - on the Prime, then back on the Option - were much better and I was really happy to be back in the fight. I was substantially quicker than the other car, so I closed the gap pretty quickly and was able to retake the place ahead. So 25% of the race was difficult, but the other 75% was fantastic and more than made up for it. A couple of boxes ticked - finishing ahead and getting both cars to the finish here after a good race-long battle. The Mexico Grand Prix will definitely go down as one of my favourite races now. The crowd have been sensational and the race result is the icing on the cake. Off to Brazil now; I can't wait."
Will Stevens: "I'm pretty disappointed with how the race ended for me, after running ahead of Alex for 46 laps of the race. I had a really good car at the start but we switched strategy from a two-stopper to a single stop, which wasn't good for me as I have been really happy with the car on the Option tyre all weekend but I've really struggled with the Prime. A long second stint on the Medium just didn't work out. Alex and I had a great scrap today and although the end result wasn't what I'd hoped for, I've had a much improved weekend after a couple of more disappointing races prior to this. I love Mexico and it was a great weekend; I can't wait to come back. For now though, my thoughts are focused on the final two races."
John Booth, Team Principal: "From my vantage point on the pit wall, our race today was every bit as exciting as the one between Nico and Lewis. Will and Alexander had a fierce but fair battle today. Ultimately Alexander triumphed, but it could easily have been the other way around. It was also thrilling right up until the last lap, when Alexander set his fastest lap of the race. As a team we've performed well all weekend, but today's pit work was particularly commendable as the crew managed the challenge of a double pit stop under the safety car flawlessly. The Mexican crowd were incredible and I'm delighted that Formula One has found another exciting destination; we have all enjoyed our visit here this weekend. I hope the next two races in Brazil and Abu Dhabi will be as fascinating as this one."
Check out our Sunday gallery, here.