Last week Manor finally got their wheels on and the power units running, and this week both cars at last took to the grid ahead of the Shanghai race. With Stevens ahead in qualifying, both cars still managed to clear the 107% rule. Whilst only one managed to start the race, there was definitely a positive to take as the one that started the race also managed to finish it.
2015 Chinese Grand Prix Manor Review: Both Cars Finish
1. 28 WILL STEVENS (GBR)
Grid: P19
Race: P15
Stevens had delayed running early on in the weekend with a power unit problem, however he was still able to set a lap eight tenths quicker than teammate Merhi to qualify 19th. Off the line Stevens was slow, allowing Merhi past for the first few laps. However, after a settled couple of runs, Stevens was back past Merhi and led him home.
2. 98 ROBERTO MERHI (SPA)
Grid: P20
Race: P16
Merhi had more stable running throughout the weekend and improved in each session, with the exception of a fuel pump issue in FP3. Regardless, he was finally able to set a lap time within the 107%. Indeed, Merhi was initially ahead in the opening stages of the race before losing the place to his team-mate and played second fiddle until the end. Nevertheless, having both cars start and finish the race for the first time this season shows a step in the right direction for the Manor squad as they finally start to get their act together. There still remains a question mark over how long Merhi will remain in his Manor seat, as the team seeks further funding.
Overall, the team will be happy with their performance, as survival and finishing races is the best they can hope for at this moment in time.
Main Photo via Getty Images.
