From an emotional perspective, the Japanese Grand Prix was always going to be the trickiest race on the calendar for the Manor team. Coming back to the scene of Jules Bianchi’s horrible and what proved to be fatal accident almost 12 months ago is likely to remain in the memory of those in the team as they approach the majestic Suzuka circuit. It will surely be a tough weekend, but the tough nature of the fast-flowing figure of eight track can produce some races with high attrition, and therefore a sniff of a good result. Whilst no tributes to their now fallen comrade has been unveiled as of yet, the memory of Bianchi will be with everybody this weekend, especially those at Manor.
2015 Japanese Grand Prix Manor Preview
No. 28 Will Stevens
Form: 13/16/16/15/15
Stevens will not have the disadvantage at Suzuka which he had at Singapore as neither he nor his team mate has raced at this track before. He was beaten in the race by his new team mate last time out and Stevens must really make amends for that here. With his team mate set to change again after this race back to Roberto Merhi, Stevens should be looking to end Alexander Rossi’s first stint as his team mate on equal terms at least.
No. 53 Alexander Rossi
Form: -/-/-/-/14
Like Stevens, Rossi has not raced at Suzuka previously. He will strictly speaking be more on the back foot this weekend compared to last weekend due to the fact that he has had less time in the car, whilst last time out he had the advantage of at least knowing the circuit from a number of GP2 races. He had a good run last time out, and an error-free time at Japan would do him wonders before he returns back to GP2.
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