Qualifying - Chinese GP report: Manor Ferrari

Step by step, the Manor Marussia F1 Team continues to make good progress after converting the work of three positive free practice sessions into a solid qualifying performance in Shanghai this afternoon.

Will Stevens ended the day in 19th place with a time of 1:42.091, ahead of his team-mate Roberto Merhi, whose time of 1:42.842 placed him 20th.

Will Stevens

“It’s always good to feel progress being made and we’ve been making big strides from session to session here. There’s still a long way to go but the progress over the past three weekends is clear for everyone to see. The trouble-free practice sessions have really helped us to find a rhythm that has enabled us to make the right set-up changes. The car felt good and I was pretty happy with my lap, so we go into tomorrow in a comfortable position. I’m eager for my first race distance in the car and plenty more data to help the team develop, so fingers crossed we can have a good race.”

Roberto Merhi

“I’m a little disappointed today but a good result for the team. This morning I experienced an electronics problem a couple of times, which lost us a little momentum and also I missed my option tyre run in FP3. Overall I think we have seen a good improvement during the weekend though, so I think we will be better in the race tomorrow.”

John Booth, Team Principal

“Today’s qualifying represents another good step for us, with both Will and Roberto posting times well within 107% and edging closer towards our real targets. It has been a bonus for us to enjoy trouble-free sessions, enabling us to develop the set-up of the cars, extract more of the performance and translate this into a clear improvement in pace. Both drivers are doing an excellent job, pushing themselves hard at a time when they are effectively still learning. We’re looking forward to seeing them racing together tomorrow.”