15/11/2015
NEWS STORY
Will Stevens achieved his objective of ending today's Formula 1 Grande Prêmio Petrobras do Brasil 2015 as the lead Manor Marussia F1 Team driver when he took the chequered flag in 18th place. In yet another two-car finish for the team - the 13th of the season - Alexander Rossi had to settle for 19th place after struggling with the balance of his car throughout the 71 lap race.
Will Stevens: "I think the focus on race balance has really paid off for me this weekend. It wasn't an easy race because of having to look after the rear tyres, but I knew that if I could get past Alex I would be able to pull away. I'm pleased to regain the advantage over my team-mate and bring the car home in 18th place. Yet another two-car finish for the team, which is good news, so we go into the final round in Abu Dhabi eager to end season on a high note."
Alexander Rossi: "Wow, that was a tough race. My first stint wasn't so bad, but in the second and third stints the balance was terrible and I was losing so much time with understeer. Will getting past was inevitable and I was pretty resigned to that fact. It's a shame, because the early part of the weekend was stronger for me. I would have liked my final F1 round of 2015 to have a better outcome, but I look back at the five races I've had since Japan and I'm pretty happy overall. It's been a totally positive experience and I know I've given it everything I've got. So now we wait and see what the future brings, but I want to thank the team for this incredible opportunity to show what I can do and I hope I've done that."
John Booth, Team Principal: "I think Will had a much more enjoyable day than Alexander and he is pretty happy, having focused rather more on the race throughout the weekend. Everything came together for him today, whereas Alex seemed to have a really difficult balance and he was battling with the car from start to finish, so I'm sure it seemed like a very long race for him. For Abu Dhabi we have Roberto back in the car and Alex will be focusing on his GP2 team's championship position, but I'd like to commend him on five very strong races with us and it has been a pleasure to have him around."
Check out our Sunday gallery, here.