Manor drivers Roberto Merhi and Will Stevens will be allowed to take part in the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday despite failing to meet the required 107 per cent time.
Merhi’s best lap during qualifying was 0.4 seconds shy, whilst Stevens was unable to compete due to a fuel problemon his car.
However, the race stewards have given them permission to start Sunday’s race because they both managed lap times within 107 per cent at some point during the weekend.
An FIA statement noted that both Merhi and Stevens “set satisfactory times in practice at this event.”
Speaking after qualifying, team principal John Booth expected qualifying to be difficult, but was pleased to see both cars meeting the required time in practice.
“We knew our first weekend of running would not be without its challenges and although we had a positive day yesterday, it has been important to keep our expectations for qualifying in check,” he said.
“Our two drivers have done a solid job in their debut and Friday’s practice showed promise in terms of having the pace for the 107 per cent time, but today underlined that we have a lot of work to do.”
