Manor boosting its driver prospects with Mercedes link

Manor will be looking to bridge the gap with Formula 1's mid-field runners in 2016 following its switch to Mercedes power and Williams transmissions.

The small British outfit would likely require a hefty budget increase to shed its minnow status, but its new technical partnerships and the prospect of an all-new car for 2016 will perhaps provide Manor with more appeal for young upcoming drivers, as well as for their sponsors.

Will Stevens, Roberto Mehri and Alexander Rossi, who constituted the team's line-up this year, are all in contention for a race seat in 2016.

• Mercedes impressed by 'real racers' Manor

While plans on the driver front have yet to be finalized, Sporting Director Graham Lowdon believes Manor's recent deals with Mercedes and Williams will improve both the team's performance and its commercial lustre.

"You look at the spread of performance on the grid at the minute, and if you take us out of the equation it’s still a sizeable spread," Lowdon told Autosport.

“But that said, I think drivers can come into teams now pretty much anywhere on the grid, and have the opportunity to show the teams and sponsors what they can do.

“With all of our changes we feel we’re going to be in the pack, and that certainly makes the drive a lot more attractive to younger drivers looking to come into Formula 1, that’s for sure.

“We’re going to be spending a lot more money racing next year than we have this year. So yes, the seat will be more attractive both from a sporting and a commercial side."

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