Manor F1 Team
Manor Marussia say they are disappointed not to participate in the Australian Grand Prix but are sure that future races will be better for the team.
The squad arrived in Australia after a rescue package was formalised last month but neither Will Stevens nor rookie team-mate Roberto Merhi were able to take to the circuit in either practice or qualifying.
"It goes without saying that I’m disappointed that we ran out of time for qualifying," said Stevens.
"Disappointed not just for me, but for the whole team, because the effort this week has been tremendous. What matters most is that we’re here, so we have to focus on that fact and look to the future.
"We knew it would be difficult, that we would experience some challenges and that is what happened, but we are better placed for the next few races and that in itself justifies the hard work over the past few days."
Merhi added that the disappointment of this weekend has given him more determination for the future.
"A tough way to start the season but we have worked together to try to overcome our problems and already I feel a big part of the team," he said.
"They are like a family and it is nice to see the true spirit, even if we had hoped for more this weekend. Certainly we came here to go racing and it is difficult that we haven’t been able to get the cars out but that leaves me feeling all the more determined to work hard with everybody to push for more in the coming races."
