Manor fails to participate in Australian GP qualifying

Manor has failed to get either of its cars on track in time to qualify for the Australian Grand Prix.

Neither Will Stevens nor Roberto Merhi ran in any of the three practice sessions as the team scrambled to finish building its cars after an 11th-hour rescue package allowed it to make a late entry into the championship.

“We have come such a long way in an incredibly short space of time, so to miss out on qualifying is of course very disappointing,” said team principal John Booth.

“One always has to look at the silver lining in these situations and ours is that we have identified, worked through and ironed out a number of very challenging issues in the field and that experience will stand us in good stead as we move forward from here.

“This is a team that has met and overcome many difficulties, both in the past few months and at other stages of our racing history. There are very good things ahead for us and that is where our focus lies. For now, well done to everyone in our team. We can all feel justifiably proud of our achievements so far.”

The stewards may grant Manor a dispensation to participate despite having failed to set a time within 107% of the Q1 time. However as neither car has run at all that is unlikely, as is the possibility the cars would be ready in 24 hours’ time.

2015 Australian Grand Prix