Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes Manor can make big strides this season and even admits they can run as a “solid midfield” outfit.
Manor, who this time last year were fighting to make it onto the grid after falling into administration, will be powered by a Mercedes engine after they struck a deal with the German manufacturer last year.
Due to their financial difficulties they ran their 2014 Marussia car with a year old Ferrari engine in 2015, leaving them a long way off the pace.
However, with the hiring of new experienced team members such as Dave Ryan – formally of McLaren – and a new car, Wolff predicts significant progress.
“Manor will make a big step up and not only because of the engine but there is a good bunch of people coming together,” the Austrian said.
“They are impressive individuals, with the right budget and the right attitude, and have Pascal in the car, so I have confidence that the car and the driver will have highlights and could be a solid midfield runner.”
Apart from Manor, Wolff also foresees a change in fortune for McLaren-Honda, who finished just ahead of Manor in the constructors championship last year.
With huge resources and an improvement in performance, Wolff expects the Woking-based outfit to come back fighting.
“Honda is a huge company with lots of resources, they had the power unit which had the most impressive development curve throughout 2015, even if it was a very difficult year for them,” Wolff added.
“It was still very good what they achieved in terms of how they progressed. I have no doubt they will be a strong competitor in the future.”
