Just the two Manor seats remain vacant next season
Saturday 28 November 2015 08:25, UK
Will Stevens feels he has done enough this year to justify a seat on the grid in 2016 and says things are "moving in the right direction".
Just the two Manor seats remain in F1 next year and they have become much more desirable after the team secured Mercedes power units for 2016.
Despite no Manor driver scoring points in 2015, Stevens is officially classified bottom of the Drivers' Championship, behind Roberto Merhi and Alexander Rossi who shared driving the second car, as they have achieved a higher finishing position in a race this year.
However, Stevens believes he has proved his pace and deserves to be on the grid next year.
"They are the last two seats left on the grid and we are pushing hard to be in one of them. Everything is moving in the right direction," he told Sky Sports F1.
"When you are fighting at the back of the field it is always hard to show people what you are made of and what you can bring to it. This year I really wanted to work on my one-lap pace and make sure my pace was always strong which it has been.
"Sometimes I probably haven't focused enough on my race pace, but that is probably the biggest thing I've learnt throughout the year.
"Have I done enough? I like to think so, my pace has always been strong compared to both my team-mates and I think the team have been happy with the job I have done."
Manor have used what is essentially the 2014 Marussia chassis this year, meaning a big step up in pace is expected when a new 2016 car is combined with the Brixworth built power unit.
"Now they have the Mercedes engine for next year and having a car that is two years new, it would be a massive step forward," Stevens added. "Things are looking really positive for next year."
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