The FIA has refunded the majority of Manor's entry fee for the 2017 Formula 1 season after it went into administration and was therefore unable to take part in the season.
The outfit collapsed at the end of the 2016 season, but with the deadline to pay entry fees many months in advance, Manor, with the intention that it would race in 2017 amid discussions with several backers – all of which came to nothing – meant the team forked out $521,289 (£394,000) to register its entry.
The FIA has confirmed that as a "gesture of goodwill" to help parent company 'Just Racing Services Limited' pay its debtors, many of whom are former employees and suppliers, it has refunded that fee, minus its own costs.
"The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has returned the entry fee paid by Manor Grand Prix Racing Limited in November 2016 in order to be able to participate in the 2017 FIA Formula One World Championship," read a statement.
"Just Racing Services Limited, the company within the Manor Group responsible for servicing the team went into administration in January of this year and ceased trading later that month. Consequently, the team did not take any part in the 2017 Championship.
"The FIA has therefore decided to return the entry fee, less the administrative costs incurred by the Federation as part of the entry process, to the entity within the Manor Group in administration as a gesture of good will to assist in payment of outstanding debts."
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