Manor faces crowded field of candidates for second F1 seat
With Will Stevens confirmed, Manor weighs offers from Magnussen, van der Garde, Merhi and others as the revived F1 team races to finalise its 2015 line-up.
Manor’s revived Formula One operation is attracting a growing list of drivers for its second seat, with the team’s entry for the 2015 season still dependent on a last-minute push to get its cars ready for Melbourne. Will Stevens has already been named as one of the drivers, but the identity of his teammate remains undecided as the team scrambles to meet the freight deadline for the Australian Grand Prix.
Magnussen among McLaren-linked contenders
McLaren’s ongoing technical collaboration with Manor has put both Kevin Magnussen and Stoffel Vandoorne in the frame for the second seat. Magnussen, now McLaren’s reserve driver after losing his race seat to Fernando Alonso, acknowledged that a Manor drive could be possible, but said his focus remains with McLaren and a long-term return to a full-time race seat there. Magnussen is set to travel to all grands prix as McLaren’s reserve, but has not ruled out a change in plans if the right opportunity arises.
Vandoorne, McLaren’s junior driver, is also considered a candidate, although there is no confirmation that Manor has made a formal approach. The McLaren link gives both drivers a plausible route into a race seat if the team decides to place one of its protégés at Manor to gain experience.
Van der Garde and Merhi add to competition
Giedo van der Garde, who spent 2014 as Sauber’s reserve and was involved in a contractual dispute with the Swiss team, is reportedly in the running for the Manor seat. The Dutch driver, backed by sponsor McGregor, is believed to be seeking a return to the grid after his planned Sauber deal fell through. Van der Garde’s situation with Sauber remains unresolved, but his management is understood to be exploring all available opportunities for 2015.
Spanish driver Roberto Merhi, who brought sponsorship to Caterham for several Friday practice outings in 2014, is also linked to the vacant Manor seat. Reports in the Spanish press suggest Merhi is in advanced negotiations with the team, although no agreement has been announced. Merhi’s experience in Formula One machinery and his ability to bring financial backing are likely to be factors in Manor’s decision.
Team faces technical and financial hurdles
Manor’s staff at Dinnington are racing to complete and homologate the cars in time for the season opener. The team’s ability to attract a driver with sponsorship could be decisive, given the financial strain of returning to the grid after administration. The outcome may also depend on whether Manor can pass the required crash tests and meet Formula One’s logistical deadlines.
With several drivers in the frame and time running short, Manor’s final decision is likely to hinge on a mix of speed, experience and financial contribution. The possibility of the team rotating drivers over the opening races has also been reported, though no plan has been confirmed. For more on that prospect, see Manor considers rotating second F1 seat among three drivers.
