Manor Marussia introduced American Alexander Rossi to the team in Singapore, replacing interim driver Roberto Merhi. Rossi has since described his stock as ‘[going] through the roof’ since making his début for Manor.
In Singapore, the young American signed a deal with Manor which would see him participate in five of the seven remaining races of the season. The new signing has outperformed teammate Will Stevens in all three races that the American has taken part in.
Rossi’s last race was his home Grand Prix in Austin, the young Manor driver was in the points towards the end of the race at the Circuit of the Americas, but couldn’t maintain his position and finished twelfth.
Rossi was asked by ESPN F1 if his Austin performance had helped him attract more sponsors, to which he replied ‘Oh yeah, massively.’ He also stated how ‘it’s much easier to try and put a prospect out when you’re actually in a race seat versus the potential of being in a race seat.’ Rossi believes that his position in American Motorsport has changed along with where he stand in the paddock.
The former GP2 driver said that his ‘stock value over the past month and a half has definitely gone through the roof.’ The Manor driver has impressed, driving for a team that struggles to keep up with the other teams in front of them. Rossi continued to say that ‘the interest in the States has skyrocketed as well.’
Rossi is the first American Formula One driver since Scott Speed, who didn’t live up to his name. Speed, who used to drive for Toro Rosso, never really impressed for Red Bull’s sister team and left the sport eight years ago.
Alex Rossi also said that ‘things are looking very positive for next year and we just have to keep going in these next two Grand Prix and do the best we can.’
Rossi wants to secure a full-time seat for a Formula One team in 2016 and believes that his promising race in Austin improves his chances.
