F1: Merhi to drive for Manor in Australia

Roberto Merhi will race for the Manor Formula 1 team in this weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, partnering fellow Formula Renault 3.5 race winner Will Stevens.

The Spaniard, who got his first taste of GP weekend running with three free practice outings for Caterham late in the year, has signed a one-off deal with the former Marussia team to race in Melbourne.

"Today, finally, I can announce something that I have dreamed of many times – not just free practice, but a full grand prix," said Merhi, who raced for John Booth's Manor squad in the F3 Euro Series in 2009. "It's time to thank many people who spent years helping me learn, and of course the Manor team - old friends who have trusted me to start this new phase which I hope will bring them success.

"We will not have the means to fight the other teams on equal terms, using a 2014 car and power unit, but we will give our best."

Merhi is currently slated to race for the Pons team in FR3.5 this year, but he hopes that he can use his F1 race debut as a launchpad to secure a full-season drive with Manor.

"I hope that this event will open the opportunity to race again during the season," he said. "I need a sponsor if I want to continue, but unfortunately in Spain I'm not finding support. Hopefully this will help me change this situation and face the future with more confidence."

Manor also announced on Tuesday morning in Australia that Jordan King, son of Manor investor Justin King, has become the team's development driver.

Originally on Autosport.com