Merhi looking at F1 options for 2016 season

Roberto Merhi is not ready to give up on his Formula 1 career and is targeting a return to the grid in 2016.

The Spaniard made his F1 debut this year with Manor, but ultimately lost the seat to the better-funded Alexander Rossi.

But speaking to Spanish radio Cadena Cope, the 24-year-old rates his chances of securing another role in formula one next year at “70 per cent”.

“We are looking at the options because there are several and we need to choose the best one,” Merhi said.

He explained that while he would like to keep racing next year, he does not rule out sitting out a year – perhaps as reserve driver – before returning in 2017.

“Anyway it was an important year,” said Merhi, “because I managed to achieve my dream of becoming a formula one driver.”

But he said the car he had to race was “old and uncompetitive”, and not even up to scratch with the one raced throughout the season by teammate Will Stevens.

But “despite not having scored, the team is very happy with the season. The highlight was Silverstone because at the end of the race I was driving at the same pace as the top ten.”