Merhi confirmed only for opening rounds of 2015

Manor has completed the Melbourne grid by signing Spanish rookie Roberto Merhi. Before the official announcement, it emerged in the Spanish press that the former Marussia team had applied to the FIA for a super licence for the 23-year-old. Merhi has travelled to Australia for his grand prix debut this weekend, but his manager Mark Blundell said he is confirmed only for the "opening rounds" of 2015.

Spanish media reports suggest higher-paying drivers might be in the running later this year, such as Giedo van der Garde, who is currently fighting Sauber in the courts for the right to race in Melbourne. "I drove for them (Manor) in formula 3 and I called them directly," Merhi told El Confidencial. "I have no money and I know that Manor are looking for someone with a good budget," he admitted.

Other candidates are also in the running, including Jordan King, the son of new Manor advisor Justin King, the former Sainsbury's chief. 21-year-old King has been signed as a "development driver" for 2015. Also linked with the Manor race seat are Fabio Leimer, the McLaren-linked Kevin Magnussen and Stoffel Vandoorne, and Ferrari testers Esteban Gutierrez and Jean-Eric Vergne. (GMM)

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team -
  • Points -
  • Podiums -
  • Grand Prix -
  • Country ES
  • Date of b. Mar 22 1991 (34)
  • Place of b. Castellon, ES
  • Weight 76 kg
  • Length 1.79 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar