F1 winter testing is fast approaching and just two seats remain empty on the 2016 grid, with Manor yet to confirm its driver line-up.
The British outfit, running with Mercedes power this season, has several options and demand is high for the final spots in the sport.
But just who are the contenders for the Manor drives? There are a couple of drivers in contention and the team has a strong talent pool to choose from. The first name in the frame for one of the two Manor seats is Alexander Rossi.
The American driver has history with the team, having held a reserve role for the second half of 2014 and moving up to a race seat in five of the final seven 2015 rounds. Despite limited running in the car, Rossi impressed and proved to be a strong match for team-mate Will Stevens, regularly beating him.
It was hard to make an impact racing at the back of the pack but he did a good job with the machinery at his disposal. Rossi had previously been on the fringes of F1 for a while before getting his chance towards the end of last season, replacing Roberto Merhi.
He now has some experience behind him, is clearly quick and has a lot to prove. He would certainly be a good addition to Manor but brings less funding compared to others.
Speaking to Sky Sports recently the 2015 GP2 runner-up said: “Things are looking positive and hopefully we get it done very soon.” Manor should make a good step forward in 2016, with the Mercedes engine and a new car – compared to last year’s updated 2014 machine.
Will Stevens remains in with a chance of a drive, although rumours seem to have quietened down more recently. Following decent results in feeder series, Stevens was appointed a reserve driver at Manor late in 2014 (joining Rossi) but drove for Caterham at the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, making his debut in the series and getting stuck into racing in F1 – even holding off Fernando Alonso briefly at one point.
He was picked to compete in the entire 2015 season by Manor and did a good but quiet job. His experience could be important for the team as it develops the 2016 car but there are definitely stronger candidates out there.
Next up is the final driver who raced for the backmarker in 2015 – Merhi. The Spaniard has been pretty quiet on his 2016 hopes and hasn’t really been talked about as much compared to other drivers, but he still remains an option.
Merhi did a good job last year, especially considering the weight difference between himself and team-mate Stevens. He was replaced for five of the final seven races by Rossi, but he still scored Manor’s joint best result with 12th at the British Grand Prix.
A more unlikely option for Manor, Merhi would do a good job for the team and has some welcome experience under his belt. But he has tough competition for one of the two drives, with several other young stars fighting for the vacant seats.
Pascal Wehrlein is another driver in the frame at Manor and with a strong link to Mercedes, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the grid in 2016. The German won the DTM series last year and was appointed the Mercedes F1 team’s reserve driver. The Formula 3 race winner’s role meant he completed several F1 outings for Mercedes in 2015, as well as testing for Force India as well.
Highly rated, Wehrlein’s stock has improved significantly over the last 12 months and is clearly a talented chap. Mercedes will be pushing to get him in the sport and that gives him a considerable advantage. By the sounds of Rossi’s recent comments, saying talks were "everyday", it seems Manor is in no rush of making a decision any time soon. And it’s no surprise, there are several strong options available and plenty of talent eager to join the 2016 grid.
Winter testing kicks off on the 22 February, with four days of action at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Manor’s car is due to debut on the morning of the first session, so you would think the drivers would be confirmed a few days before the 2016 machine hits the track for the first time.
One final driver in contention for the Manor seat is Rio Haryanto. He has arguably had the most attention from the media in recent weeks, following the leak of a letter stating the Indonesian government was prepared to pay Manor £10 million for the spot. Haryanto comes with a considerable amount of financial backing, which would be extremely welcome to a small team like Manor.
Unlike other “pay drivers”, the performed well in various feeder series. Winning GP3 and GP2 races have improved his reputation further, particularly after a strong campaign in the latter last year, where he won on three occasions and finished fourth in the standings. He seems to be one of the more likely options on the list, especially thanks to his budget.
Haryanto also has a huge fan base back home in Indonesia, a country that has never had an F1 driver. It would clearly be a big positive for Manor and F1, introducing the sport to a new audience, and he has proved his worth in junior categories. It is a tough choice for Manor to make, but we will just have to wait and see what decision is made.
I'm expecting Haryanto and Wehrlein to be Manor's two drivers, but we will have to see! Who would you like to see at the team? Let me know on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
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| © Octane Photographic |
But just who are the contenders for the Manor drives? There are a couple of drivers in contention and the team has a strong talent pool to choose from. The first name in the frame for one of the two Manor seats is Alexander Rossi.
The American driver has history with the team, having held a reserve role for the second half of 2014 and moving up to a race seat in five of the final seven 2015 rounds. Despite limited running in the car, Rossi impressed and proved to be a strong match for team-mate Will Stevens, regularly beating him.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
It was hard to make an impact racing at the back of the pack but he did a good job with the machinery at his disposal. Rossi had previously been on the fringes of F1 for a while before getting his chance towards the end of last season, replacing Roberto Merhi.
He now has some experience behind him, is clearly quick and has a lot to prove. He would certainly be a good addition to Manor but brings less funding compared to others.
Speaking to Sky Sports recently the 2015 GP2 runner-up said: “Things are looking positive and hopefully we get it done very soon.” Manor should make a good step forward in 2016, with the Mercedes engine and a new car – compared to last year’s updated 2014 machine.
Will Stevens remains in with a chance of a drive, although rumours seem to have quietened down more recently. Following decent results in feeder series, Stevens was appointed a reserve driver at Manor late in 2014 (joining Rossi) but drove for Caterham at the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, making his debut in the series and getting stuck into racing in F1 – even holding off Fernando Alonso briefly at one point.
He was picked to compete in the entire 2015 season by Manor and did a good but quiet job. His experience could be important for the team as it develops the 2016 car but there are definitely stronger candidates out there.
Next up is the final driver who raced for the backmarker in 2015 – Merhi. The Spaniard has been pretty quiet on his 2016 hopes and hasn’t really been talked about as much compared to other drivers, but he still remains an option.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
Merhi did a good job last year, especially considering the weight difference between himself and team-mate Stevens. He was replaced for five of the final seven races by Rossi, but he still scored Manor’s joint best result with 12th at the British Grand Prix.
A more unlikely option for Manor, Merhi would do a good job for the team and has some welcome experience under his belt. But he has tough competition for one of the two drives, with several other young stars fighting for the vacant seats.
Pascal Wehrlein is another driver in the frame at Manor and with a strong link to Mercedes, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the grid in 2016. The German won the DTM series last year and was appointed the Mercedes F1 team’s reserve driver. The Formula 3 race winner’s role meant he completed several F1 outings for Mercedes in 2015, as well as testing for Force India as well.
Highly rated, Wehrlein’s stock has improved significantly over the last 12 months and is clearly a talented chap. Mercedes will be pushing to get him in the sport and that gives him a considerable advantage. By the sounds of Rossi’s recent comments, saying talks were "everyday", it seems Manor is in no rush of making a decision any time soon. And it’s no surprise, there are several strong options available and plenty of talent eager to join the 2016 grid.
Winter testing kicks off on the 22 February, with four days of action at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Manor’s car is due to debut on the morning of the first session, so you would think the drivers would be confirmed a few days before the 2016 machine hits the track for the first time.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
One final driver in contention for the Manor seat is Rio Haryanto. He has arguably had the most attention from the media in recent weeks, following the leak of a letter stating the Indonesian government was prepared to pay Manor £10 million for the spot. Haryanto comes with a considerable amount of financial backing, which would be extremely welcome to a small team like Manor.
Unlike other “pay drivers”, the performed well in various feeder series. Winning GP3 and GP2 races have improved his reputation further, particularly after a strong campaign in the latter last year, where he won on three occasions and finished fourth in the standings. He seems to be one of the more likely options on the list, especially thanks to his budget.
Haryanto also has a huge fan base back home in Indonesia, a country that has never had an F1 driver. It would clearly be a big positive for Manor and F1, introducing the sport to a new audience, and he has proved his worth in junior categories. It is a tough choice for Manor to make, but we will just have to wait and see what decision is made.
I'm expecting Haryanto and Wehrlein to be Manor's two drivers, but we will have to see! Who would you like to see at the team? Let me know on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
2 comments:
Stevens and Rossi For Sure...
Bismillah, Rio Haryanto is the best option" So much love from fans indonesia
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