Alexander Rossi has been in Europe for many years and F1 remains his priority, despite the disappointment that Manor chose Rio Haryanto over him for 2016: \u00ab I have invested most of my career in F1, and I’m not the type to sit back and wait for things to happen. So this is my way of staying fit and being ready. It was disappointing not to have a full-time seat at Manor Racing this year. Everyone knows I’ve pushed and worked hard for it to happen.<\/i> \u00bb<\/p>\n
The young American is therefore preparing to experience a very busy season, with numerous trips. Indeed, in addition to his commitment in IndyCar, he will also travel to eleven F1 Grand Prix as Manor’s reserve driver. Nevertheless, it’s a sacrifice he is willing to make to give himself a chance to reach F1: “My schedule this year is busy but no more than a full F1 calendar. I will be present at eleven Grand Prix, only five of which are during the IndyCar season. I am used to the travel demands of the F1 calendar.”<\/p>\n
He will therefore be able to maintain his racing reflexes thanks to his IndyCar program, while staying in touch with developments in F1: \u00ab As an official reserve driver, I have a dual program that is very complementary at the highest level of motorsports. IndyCar is the main single-seater category in North America and is extremely competitive. I also have the privilege of being part of a championship-winning team, Andretti Autosport. I’m sure this experience will be very beneficial for securing a seat in an F1 team. <\/i>\u00bb<\/p>\n
Furthermore, by being in the paddock towards the end of the season, he will be in an ideal position when the seats for the 2017 season are decided. Rio Haryanto is therefore warned: Alexander Rossi will be ready to seize any opportunity to find himself behind the wheel of an F1 car, as he was able to do last year.<\/p>\n
Manor has therefore completed its roster of drivers as Jordan King will also continue as the team’s development driver.<\/p>\n