Manor ran an impressive race in Bahrain today. Considering they were only obstacles for all of the 2015 season, it would appear that they may be competitors for this season. This is a great sign for a team which was born from the ashes of bankruptcy.
At the end of 2014, Marussia (currently Manor) was at the point of financial collapse, as they were unable to complete the season. As the team’s assets went to auction during the winter, an investor showed an interest in the team and saved them. Last season was quite poor Marussia and the teammates spent most of the season battling each other. Now in their first season detached from the Marussia name and with their new Mercedes power unit, things are looking much more positive for Manor.
Pascal Wehrlein, a Manor driver, expressed his joy during the Bahrain Grand Prix:
“It was a great race for me. I can’t even compare it to the one in Melbourne because it felt like a completely different race. The car was better, the way we could manage the tyres was better – everything was just a big improvement. It was quite chaotic to begin with but that happens in the midfield so I’m not going to complain. My start was good and I managed to avoid any contact, then the rest of the first stint was really good fun. It was nice to be so competitive. I was 7th at one point and I really enjoyed getting past the Force Indias. It would have been good to take the second Sauber at the end but I had started to lose the tyres by then. We still experienced some tyre degradation, which is why we switched to a three-stop strategy, but it was much better than the last race and another good sign for us. I want to thank the whole team for today. I had a great car and it’s exciting to see how much more potential we have. I can’t wait for China now.”
Wehrlein drove his car home to P13, although he did look like he was in contention for a points scoring position for much of the race. His teammate, Rio Haryanto, didn’t have as much success. He was only able to pilot his car 17th position, the last of the running cars. He was still happy with the performance, as he was able to complete the first race distance of his Formula One career. “It was great to see the chequered flag today,” explained Haryanto. “It feels good to have a race distance under my belt, which is vital experience for me and the team as it gives us more data to analyse and develop the car further.”
It will be interesting to see what Manor can do with this new success as they head to the Chinese Grand Prix in two weeks time.
Ericsson: “The race was fun”
Hülkenberg: “Not much went to plan”
Weekend Summary: 2016 Bahrain Grand Prix
Haryanto Technically Won The Driver Of The Day
