On one of the toughest circuits of the year for the Manor team after the fatal accident of Jules Bianchi in 2014, the Manor team should be given credit for performing very professionally this weekend. With tributes given to the team from the passionate Japanese fans, the team set about going about trying to capitalise on what could well have been a tricky Grand Prix for all. Whilst the high attrition rate never came about in the end – in fact, every car was classified, the two Manor drivers did at least produce an interesting race, and a touch of drama too.
2015 Japanese Grand Prix Manor Review
No. 28 Will Stevens
Qualifying: P19 (Started P18)
Race: P19
Stevens’ first trip to Suzuka was somewhat tricky. He was able to outqualify his new team mate for the first time; however it was clear that there was an issue on the other car. But in the race Stevens was looking marginally stronger, leading Alexander Rossi by a few seconds before a late spin at the scarily fast 130R cost him the position and the honour of being the top Manor driver.
No. 53 Alexander Rossi
Qualifying: P20 (Started P19)
Race: P18
Rossi was outside of the 107% time in qualifying, but he was allowed to race due to setting strong times in FP3. Rossi had a considerably quieter race compared to Singapore, but he kept it relatively clean and he was able to capitalise on the spin late on in the race to take 18th place away from Stevens. Rossi was lucky not to t-bone Stevens at 180mph in fact. Rossi won’t be racing next time at Russia as he will be doing GP2 instead, but his next appearance will be his home Grand Prix in the United States, an event he and the whole of the country should be looking forward to.
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