The new Manor-Mercedes partnership hits the track!
The round of presentations continues in Barcelona with the inauguration of the MRT05, the single-seater resulting from the new partnership between the manufacturer Manor and engine supplier Mercedes. Pascal Wehrlein had the honor of performing the first laps on the track.
The excitement seemed palpable this morning for the presentation of the Manor 2016 single-seater. After a few minutes of preparation, Pascal Wehrlein, a Mercedes protege and newcomer to the team, took to the track in the MRT05, with its unique colors in this combination of orange and blue.
2016 starts right here. pic.twitter.com/eRe3sMEfOM
— Manor Racing (@ManorRacing) February 22, 2016
Expectations seem high on this side of the pit lane. After coming very close to outright liquidation at the end of 2014, the smallest structure in Formula 1 seems revitalized with this deal concluded with the German engine manufacturer.
We are, however, at the very start of the season, but John McQuilliam, the technical director of the team, does not hide his satisfaction. « We can unabashedly say that this car is the best we’ve ever produced! It is certainly the most developed and ambitious of them all. »
Aside from this engine partnership, the team has also collaborated with Williams, particularly for the supply of new transmissions. John McQuilliam is therefore enthusiastic: “The overall package of this car marks a significant step forward. Although we still have a long way to go in terms of development, it is already a dream package for the 154 people on the team who have worked tirelessly to design and build this car. In a small team like ours, every contribution is important.”
Among these 154 people, let us highlight the arrival of new prominent members, such as engineers Pat Fry and Nicholas Tombazis, both former members of the Ferrari team. However, let us also recall the departures of two historical figures of the team: John Booth and Graeme Lowdon.
The Manor team is therefore making a clean break from its past to start afresh on new foundations.
Like a mischievous wink, McQuilliam notes that from 2015, we’re only keeping the fire extinguisher! The rest is completely new. The Mercedes engine is a magnificent achievement, and we are proud to be powered by the reigning world champions. We also now have a very competitive transmission system thanks to Williams. The efforts we have made together, both in terms of aerodynamics and engine, give us a very impressive package.
The responsibility thus seems heavy on the shoulders of Pascal Wehrlein… and Rio Haryanto. The Indonesian, present in GP2 in 2015, is the latest addition to the 2016 season grid. Both drivers will certainly have the dream of opening their respective points tally in their first season within the premier discipline in mind.
