Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFormula 1

Merhi targets 'paid-driver' status

40

Roberto Merhi's main ambition in 2016 is to be paid to race, regardless of the category although the Spaniard remains focused on extending his career in Formula 1, even if it entails taking a step back and accepting a role as a test driver.

Merhi languished at the tail end of the field last year with Manor, racing alongside team mate Will Stevens who pretty much had the upper hand against the Spaniard who also relinquished his spot in the minnow outfit for five races to US driver Alexander Rossi.

Merhi will battle to remain in single-seaters but wishes for and foremost to be paid to drive.

"The target now is to be a professional racing driver and race in something where you can stay and without worrying if next race I'll be in the car or not," he admitted.

"I think the year went well and I would love to continue after the results I had in the past and now. I think I belong in single-seaters and not in something with a roof.

"My target is to continue with single-seaters.

"I'm trying to see what we can do for next year. At the moment we are looking at some options. In Formula 1 there are a few options and outside there are a few options. It's quite hard out there."

Merhi accepted that a test driver role could suit his interests, but only if it was linked with a top team.

"If it's a really good team, yes. Because in a good team you can do so many things and you have a simulator and you can test other cars. That's also an option."

Should a seat in F1 remain unavailable for him, the 24-year-old is willing to travel to potentially greener pastures, with Indycar as a possible venue to be explored.

"I quite like the Indy car. They are quick. The only thing is they are a bit too heavy, but they have massive downforce and I think it would be nice to drive it. It’s similar to a FR3.5 car or something like that."

Key dates for the 2016 F1 season

Playing the joker: Sebastian Vettel

Technical feature: All of the 2015 F1 steering wheels

Use the red tabs on either side of the screen to scroll through more Formula One news and features

2015 F1 technical review

Best of ... Scene at

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.