Manor has completed the Melbourne grid by signing Spanish rookie
Roberto Merhi. Before the official announcement, it emerged in the Spanish press that the former
Marussia team had applied to the FIA for a super licence for the 23-year-old. Merhi has travelled to Australia for his grand prix debut this weekend, but his manager
Mark Blundell said he is confirmed only for the "opening rounds" of 2015.
Spanish media reports suggest higher-paying drivers might be in the running later this year, such as
Giedo van der Garde, who is currently fighting
Sauber in the courts for the right to race in Melbourne. "I drove for them (Manor) in formula 3 and I called them directly," Merhi told El Confidencial. "I have no money and I know that Manor are looking for someone with a good budget," he admitted.
Other candidates are also in the running, including
Jordan King, the son of new Manor advisor Justin King, the former Sainsbury's chief. 21-year-old King has been signed as a "development driver" for 2015. Also linked with the Manor race seat are
Fabio Leimer, the
McLaren-linked
Kevin Magnussen and
Stoffel Vandoorne, and
Ferrari testers
Esteban Gutierrez and
Jean-Eric Vergne. (GMM)
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