A new driver has been added into the Manor roster ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in 2013 champion Fabio Leimer. The Swiss driver, who also has LMP1 experience in the World Endurance Championship, will be likely to be seen in practice sessions this season. As a GP2 champion and not just some backmarker from the category, I am pleased to see such a signing from a team who is still finding its feet. However, Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi hope to battle once again at a track which neither of them knows.
2015 Canadian Grand Prix Manor Preview
No. 28 Will Stevens
Form: -/15/16/17/17
Having lost out to Merhi in the race at Monaco after suffering some front wing damage, Stevens will be looking to get back onto terms at Montreal. With so few corners, learning the circuit layout shouldn’t be difficult, but finding the quirks to the track is another matter. He does retain his qualifying dominance over Merhi at 4-0, and will hope to retain such an advantage.
No. 98 Roberto Merhi
Form: 15/16/17/18/16
Merhi has had a tough few weeks: having gone straight to Monaco to Spa for the World Series by Renault, he finds himself racing again this weekend at Canada, a circuit he does not know. Whilst is WSR campaign has gone woefully so far with the Pons team, his F1 career has at least taken a turn for the better after taking victory in the intra-team battle at Manor. However, with Fabio Leimer now around as third driver, could it be Merhi who misses out on some much-needed practice time at some events? Could Leimer take over from Merhi entirely at some point during the season? The next few races will tell all.
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