Rossi hoping to build on F1 exposure

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Alexander Rossi hopes his five appearances for Manor this season will help him attract new backers for 2016.

The American made his first F1 start at the Singapore Grand Prix and also raced in Japan before returning to GP2 in Russia last weekend. Rossi will also race in his home race in Austin as well as in Mexico and Brazil before sitting out the last round due to another clash with GP2.

Hoping to secure a full-time F1 seat next season, Rossi says he is focused on capitalising on the added exposure he will get when driving for Manor in order to convince new partners to back him.

“I don’t think it’s ever easy, but obviously being in the show helps a lot,” Rossi told F1i. “So I just think we need to now focus on maximising these five races as much as we can both on track and off track and see what comes of it for 2016.”

And Rossi says there are no unrealistic expectations being placed upon him ahead of his home race, with Manor last in the constructors’ championship.

"I think a lot of people understand the sport and understand that sometimes you're not in a position to be anywhere near the front. That's just the way Formula One works sometimes. I don't think anyone's expecting me to go there and be able to get on the podium or in the points or anything."

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