Manor
John Booth, Team Principal: “It has been a very clean Saturday with a flawless third session, which gave the engineers the opportunity to iron out the last balance issues and prepare the cars for qualifying. I’m very pleased with how qualifying went from an operational point of view, as the short track lends itself to traffic issues, but our plan was executed very well both in the garage and on the pit wall. Once again our two drivers put up a very good fight, with Alex beating Will by just over a tenth. We are now looking forward to tomorrow at this tricky circuit that always generates an exciting race, often helped by the unpredictable weather.”
Alexander Rossi: “After a challenging Friday, when we struggled to find a good baseline, I am very pleased to be the quicker car in qualifying. The boys did a great job analysing the set up overnight and I feel quite confident in the changes that were made and the car that we have going into tomorrow’s race. This is my last race for the team this year, so I will be looking to maximise our starting position and I will definitely enjoy every lap.”
Will Stevens: “One thing I have learnt this year is to worry less about the qualifying set-up and focus more for the race, which is what we are trying this weekend. I think this weekend will be one of the hardest of the year on the rear tyres so it was important to concentrate on balance for the race. I think it will be close between myself and Alex tomorrow, so I’m looking forward to it!”
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Owner/Investor, Manor Marussia F1 Team: “I’m delighted to announce Dave’s appointment in the newly created position of Racing Director. He needs no introduction, of course, having spent 34 years within the sport contributing to an incredible tally of race and championship wins.
“Along with our new Mercedes Benz power unit, technical partnership with Williams and recent additions to the design and technical team, Dave’s arrival is another important step towards our goal of creating a truly competitive racing team.
“I am also able to confirm that John Booth and Graeme Lowdon will be leaving the team at the end of the current season. I have the utmost respect for them as individuals and for all they have achieved, both with this team and in their long careers in Motorsport, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work and dedication during this season in particular. Like every great story, there comes a time to start a new chapter.”
Dave Ryan: “I’m very excited to be joining the Manor Marussia F1 Team at a pivotal time in their development. Having spent time with Stephen, and understood his vision for the future, it is clear he has ensured there is a strong platform from which the team can make big steps forward in the seasons ahead. Manor has all the hallmarks of a fiercely competitive racing team, but having grown up in a much more contemporary Formula 1 era, it is a very lean operation with a collaborative culture, which leaves it well placed to contend with the sport’s future direction. There is clearly a big challenge ahead and a lot of work to do, but I can’t wait to meet the wider team and get down to business.”
REPORT: Rosberg takes fifth pole in a row by 0.078s
AS IT HAPPENED: Brazilian Grand Prix - qualifying
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