F1: Stevens secures Manor race deal

Will Stevens has agreed a 2015 Formula 1 race deal with the Manor (formerly Marussia) team, assuming it is ready to compete in the Australian Grand Prix, as it claims.

The team came out of bankruptcy administration last week, and has secured a supply of 2014 Ferrari engines.

Stevens spent part of last season as Marussia's test and reserve driver, having switched from the same role at Caterham, before returning to the latter team to make his F1 racing debut in the Abu Dhabi GP.

"It's very exciting to see everything coming together at Manor after the tremendous effort that has gone into saving the team," said the 23-year-old Briton, who was also a Formula Renault 3.5 race winner last year. "It would not have been possible without the incredible support we have received from all the suppliers and from within the sport, but most of all the fantastic team of people at Manor who are working around the clock to ensure we are ready for Melbourne.

"My thanks to the team for their confidence in me and I can't wait to see all the hard work rewarded when we line up on the grid in two weeks' time."

Although Manor could get dispensation to miss the opening rounds of the season, a statement from the team said it currently intended to race in Melbourne next month. It will start the season with a modified 2014 car as an interim measure.

"The car with which Manor will begin the season is now in an advanced stage of build at the team's current race preparation facility in Dinnington, UK, where personnel are working 24-7 towards the air freight dispatch date of March 6."

Originally on Autosport.com