Manor launch their 2016 car; the MRT05

The Manor Racing team hailed the MRT05 as by far the “Formula 1 car it has produced” as it unveiled the new, Mercedes-powered this morning at the first pre-season test in Spain.

Manor's deal to use Mercedes engines and Williams transmission and other components is expected to bring it much closer to competitiveness after six seasons adrift of the midfield pack. F1 rookie Pascal Wehrlein left the garage in the MRT05 just under 90 minutes into the first day of the test.

In a statement to the media this morning, Manor technical director John McQuilliam said the team was confident of a massive step forward in 2016. McQuilliam said the following:-

'Even at this early stage of the game, we can easily say this is the best car we've ever launched. Certainly the most developed, the most ambitious and the most aggressive. The overall package is a very significant step forward, not just from last year, but from any of the cars from our stable.

'Yes, we have a long way to go from here in terms of developing the MRT05, but it's already a dream package for the 154 Manor Racing people who've worked so hard to design and build it.'

Manor's new racing director Dave Ryan, who arrived after the exits of founders John Booth and Graeme Lowdon last year, said in his interview with the media this morning that he had been impressed by what he had seen at the team so far. Ryan said the following:-

'It's been a very busy time, but it has really served to underline everything I thought when I first agreed to join the team – a great little operation, with huge potential and the vision and ambition to make a big step forward.

'The team did a laudable job last year given its circumstances over the previous winter. This year, with the package we have, we need to be every inch the professional racing outfit.'

From looking at pictures of the MRT05, I have to say that the car looks like a solid looking car and I do like the colours that the team have used for it; even though I would have liked to see the car running in the red and black livery that we associate with the team.

But it seems clear from what McQuilliam and Ryan have stated to the media this morning that they are confident and happy with the steps that the Manor team have taken to get the MRT05 ready for the 2016 season. And it is a different situation than to two years ago where Manor were on the verge of leaving the sport for good after exiting administration and I am so happy for them that they are back to a good and solid standing in the sport.

Overall with Manor using Mercedes engines this season, they could spring a surprise in the works if luck comes their way. With Pascal Wehrlein and Rio Haryanto driving for them this season, they will need time to adapt to Formula One; get to know the team and also the car but need also to be ready if they are in a battle for any points finishes. It will be interesting to see how Manor performs this season and I really hope that they can score even one point to show that they are truly back in the sport and back where they belong.

Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa