By alley - Jan 15, 2016, 1:01 PM ET

F1: Manor's 2016 car passes crash tests

Manor's 2016 Formula 1 car has successfully completed its final crash test at the first attempt ahead of the start of pre-season testing next month.

The Banbury, UK-based team endured a troubled build-up to last season as it battled to make the grid after falling into bankruptcy administration. After a late rescue bid, it failed to complete a day of pre-season testing in 2015 and contested the season with a modified version of its 2014-spec car.

But this year, things are looking brighter with Manor boasting a deal for a current spec Mercedes power unit and a technical partnership with Williams. Manor has completed its crash tests first time to give it a fully homologated car and the team is on course to make the first test, which starts on Feb. 22 at Barcelona.

Manor tweeted: "Today we completed our final crash test, so we now have a fully homologated chassis. Next stop test one in Barcelona."

Earlier on Friday,

Manor announced former Ferrari designer Nikolas Tombazis as its chief aerodynamicist

. He will report to technical director John McQuilliam. That follows the recruitment of former McLaren sporting director Dave Ryan as its new racing director last year, following the departure of Graeme Lowdon and John Booth.

Manor is the only team yet to announce its drivers for the season, with Pascal Wehrlein, Rio Haryanto and Will Stevens all linked with the seats.

Originally on Autosport.com