Alexander Rossi’s goal for his home race is to beat team-mate Will Stevens to put him in good stead to secure a full-time seat with Manor for the 2016 season.
Rossi will become the first American driver to compete in the United States Grand Prix since Scott Speed eight years previous, in what is only his third competitive outing for the team after a late deal to replace Roberto Merhi.
The reaction from US fans has been “very positive” according to the 24-year-old, who described the opportunity to race in front of his home crowd as a “big deal”.
However he has set himself realistic targets knowing he doesn’t have the car to compete with those ahead.
“With the current situation with the performance difference in the cars I think it’s very clear that the objective just needs to be continuing what we’ve done in the first two,” he said, in reference to beating team-mate Will Stevens on both his previous outings.
“Both of those weekends there was quite a disrupted Friday for the whole team, so I think if we have a strong Friday the Sunday result can be even more positive.”
Meanwhile Rossi is confident he can impress Manor enough to convice them to give him a full-time race next season.
“In terms of next year, I’m obviously quite keen to be in a full-time seat next year, which is apparent,” he added. “The position that I’m in with the team at the moment is good and we’re looking to put that all together for next year.”
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