Manor Marussia pair Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi remain hopeful that the squad could spring a surprise at the Austrian Grand Prix, with wet weather anticipated at select points across the remainder of the weekend. The pair occupied 19th and 20th positions in the second practice session, though Stevens was able to set a time within six tenths of compatriot Jenson Button. "Overall it’s been a good start to the weekend and I’m feeling quite positive," said Stevens. "We’ve done some good work with our […]

Manor Marussia Team Principal John Booth insists that the squad is making progress internally as it bids to rebuild for its future. Manor Marussia has occupied positions at the back of the grid following its last-minute revival at the start of the campaign and has recently been on a recruitment drive, hiring the services of esteemed engineer Bob Bell. The Ferrari-powered outfit is also attempting to introduce its new car later this season, following Formula 1's summer break. "Over the past few races we seem […]

Will Stevens says Manor Marussia must be ready to take advantage of any potential opportunity during the Canadian Grand Prix. Formula 1 races in Montreal have occasionally produced unexpected results and Stevens, who will start the race from 18th position, is wary of such an occurrence. "It wasn’t a bad qualifying for me," he said. "Perhaps I’m a little less comfortable with the balance of the car this weekend, compared with previous races. "I’ve tried to focus on race pace a little more however, so […]

Manor Marussia has confirmed that 2013 GP2 champion Fabio Leimer has joined the squad as its official reserve driver. Leimer won Formula 1's feeder series two years ago and has since raced in the World Endurance Championship, but is now set to receive selected free practice outings with Manor Marussia this season. "I’m thrilled to be provided with this opportunity and I’d like to thank Manor Marussia for the faith they have shown in my ability," said Leimer. "In particular I’m very excited to have […]

Manor Marussia has announced that former Mercedes technical director Bob Bell has joined the squad as a technical consultant. Bell spent time at McLaren and Jordan before occupying a senior position with Renault during the outfit's successful period in 2005 and 2006. Bell then moved to Mercedes in 2011 before departing the team last year. Manor Marussia also announced that former Toro Rosso chief designer Luca Furbatto and ex-Toyota and Caterham man Gianluca Pisanello have joined the re-born team. "We’re delighted to welcome Bob, Luca, […]

Manor Marussia driver Roberto Merhi says he was given a boost by his performance in the recent Monaco Grand Prix. Merhi had trailed team-mate Will Stevens across the opening races but beat the Briton to the chequered flag for the first time around the streets of the Principality. Merhi, who endured a troublesome time in Formula Renault 3.5 at the weekend, says he is eager to build on his Monaco result in Canada. "The races are coming thick and fast now and it feels like […]

Manor Marussia team principal John Booth says the squad can be proud of its efforts after the first four 'flyaway' races of the campaign. Manor Marussia put together a last-minute rescue deal just a few weeks before the start of the season and ran for the first time in Malaysia before achieving a two-car finish in both China and Bahrain. "After a really smooth weekend here in Bahrain, another two car finish is exactly how we wanted to close out the first round of long […]

Manor Marussia Team Principal John Booth says that the squad's new car will not be introduced until after Formula 1's summer break. Manor Marussia modified its 2014 car to confirm to 2015 regulations after it secured a last-minute deal to return to the Formula 1 grid after entering administration last year. The squad maintained earlier this season that a 2015 car was being developed but Booth says it will not be introduced until later this year. "As for the 2015 car, our aim has always […]

Will Stevens declared himself happy with the steps Manor Marussia is making as he started - and completed - his first race with the squad in China. The team did not compete in Australia and Stevens was forced out before qualifying in Malaysia due to a fuel system problem on his car. But in China Stevens beat team-mate Merhi to 15th position, improving on his 17th place finish with Caterham in Abu Dhabi last year. "A great race for me and the team and one […]

Manor Marussia team principal John Booth says that the squad continues to make good progress after both Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi qualified for the Chinese Grand Prix. Stevens posted a time of 1:42.091 to end the session in 19th position, with Merhi eight-tenths back in 20th. The squad has not fielded two cars in a race since last year's Japanese Grand Prix but Booth is sure that the squad is now making a clear improvement. "Today’s qualifying represents another good step for us, with […]

Will Stevens says he is hoping to kick start his season at this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix after a disrupted start to his 2015 campaign. Manor Marussia did not run in Australia and the Briton was unable to participate in either qualifying or the race in Malaysia due to a fuel pressure problem. "There were some positive signs at Sepang with the running I was able to achieve, so I’m looking forward to building on that here in China," said Stevens. "It’s been good to […]

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 […]