25/11/2015
NEWS STORY
This weekend, the Manor Marussia F1 Team is racing at Yas Marina Circuit in the 2015 season finale, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Round 19 sees the return of Roberto Merhi to the cockpit, alongside Will Stevens, as Alexander Rossi steps back to focus on his GP2 duties; his team continuing its pursuit of the runner-up spot in GP2 Series.
It will be a poignant weekend for everyone at Manor. The team bids farewell to John Booth and Graeme Lowdon, and also to Scuderia Ferrari, its powertrain partner for the past two seasons. As such, the race team are determined to put on a good show and ensure a hard-fought season comes to a positive conclusion in Sunday's 55 lap race.
Will Stevens: "I'm really looking forward to this weekend. It was here 12 months ago that I made my F1 debut, so this track has happy memories for me and it's one I really enjoy racing at. I had a really strong race in Brazil, so I'd really like to replicate that performance on Sunday and I plan to approach the weekend in a similar fashion, focusing much more on the race than my single lap pace. Beating my team-mate is a moving target once again, with Roberto back in the car rather than Alex, but my aim is still to be the lead Manor driver going into the race, and the first to cross the line at the end of it."
Roberto Merhi: "I'm so excited to be back in the car this weekend for the season finale. As any reserve driver will tell you, I really missed the racing; it will be a long time yet before I'm ready to hang up my racing gloves for a full-time career in TV commentary! I've kept a close eye on everything the team has been doing over the past five races, so I don't think it will be too difficult to get back up to speed on Friday and see how I stand versus Will. I've missed the competitive spirit between us. The most important thing is to do the best job possible for the team on Sunday, and ensure we have a result to celebrate. It has been a long, hard season, so I want to say thank you for this opportunity and I hope I can deliver another strong performance to reward the faith the team has shown in me."
John Booth, Team Principal: "It is great to be back in Abu Dhabi, having missed this race last season due to our team's difficult situation. Yas Marina is a fantastic venue at which to conclude the season, and although both championships were decided some time ago, it will be a race that everyone wants to do well in before a well-deserved celebration.
"It's great to have Roberto back in the car this weekend. He's been by our side in the role of reserve driver over the past five races, but I know he has been champing at the bit to be racing again. For Will, this race marks a year since he made his F1 debut here. After a more positive showing in Brazil, I know he will be eager to carry that momentum through to this weekend.
"Abu Dhabi marks our final race with Scuderia Ferrari as our Powertrain Partner. We have enjoyed a fantastically collaborative relationship over the past two seasons, working together very much as one team. Our Ferrari colleagues have been our teammates, like any other. We have shared a few highs and lows together, but our abiding memory will be that special day in Monaco 2014, when together we achieved our team's first championship points.
"On a personal note, on Sunday evening I'll be bidding the F1 paddock farewell for now. I can't deny it will be a strange feeling for me; after all, we have been through so much together. But I am comfortable knowing that I will leave the team in the best shape possible, ready for its new chapter."