Bahrain GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Manor

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - MANOR RACING F1 TEAM

Pascal Wehrlein - "Melbourne was amazing. Nothing can prepare you for the feeling of lining up on the grid for the first time and taking the chequered flag at the end of your first Grand Prix. They are special memories for sure. As a team we learned a lot in Melbourne. Qualifying didn't work out well for us and as we have the same format here in Bahrain we need to put those lessons into practice. We still have a way to go with optimising the set-up to counter the tyre degradation problems we experienced in the second half of the race. It was a good start, but there's a lot of room for improvement in every area, including me. My first F1 night race will be fun and it's really cool to have that experience so early in my F1 career. I'm sure the circuit will feel spectacular to drive under the lights. I can't wait."

Rio Haryanto - "My debut was an incredible experience and one I'd waited a long time for, so I tried not to dwell too heavily on retiring. There were too many positives to take away from the weekend so that's what I did. On a personal level I was quite happy with my pace and how I translated everything I'd learned at the tests into a race weekend context. I know the team were disappointed with the problem that ended my race but it's all about looking forward and there's so much more to come. My first night race will be pretty special! Generally though, I think the weekend here will be a lot smoother and I've got some really good experience to draw on in every area. Most of all, I can't wait to see the chequered flag!"

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Article Posted By: Amy Hawk

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Manor Launch 2016 Car

Manor Racing’s new MRT05 is a dream racer, according to technical director John McQuilliam.

Whilst, from the outside, the car may look similar to that of 2015, it is definitely an all new car. And one which might prove to be more competitive than many people may expect, especially with the Mercedes built power unit beneath the chassis.

“The overall package is a very significant step forward,” said McQuilliam. “Not just from last year, but from any of the cars from our stable. So yes, we have a long way to go from here in terms of developing the MRT05, but it’s already a dream package for the 154 Manor Racing people who’ve worked so hard to design and build it. In a small team like ours, every individual has played their part.”

Manor believe the new car will be a contender this year, compared to last year’s car, where the team was making do with what they could get. The team has been working on the new car since the middle of last season.

As well as featuring the Mercedes power unit, the MRT05 will feature a transmission package and gear box from Williams Advanced Engineering.

The car isn’t the only thing that’s new though, with Manor also bringing two new drivers to the grid: Pascal Wehrlein and Rio Haryanto.

“Pascal and Rio are a great addition to our team,” said racing director, Dave Ryan. “They are young and hungry but, crucially, experienced racers with a lot of talent and a great deal of potential. We’re very proud that they’re making their F1 debut with Manor Racing.”

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Article Written By: Bethonie Waring

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