Manor team principal John Booth says his drivers’ pace and team’s strategy enabled the F1 minnows to “keep in touch” with the McLaren-Hondas in the Belgian Grand Prix.

Although Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi qualified 19th and 20th at Spa, the pair lined up 15th and 17th thanks to several grid penalties. The Spaniard passed his team-mate on the first lap before they ran a trouble-free race to reach the chequered flag in 15th and 16th.

Still racing the little updated 2014-spec MR03B, Merhi and Stevens nonetheless managed to finish not too far behind Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, despite Honda bringing a new power unit spec to Belgium.

“It’s good to start the second half of the season on a very positive note, with a straightforward and solid weekend, and a two-car finish to show for it,” said Booth.

“Both drivers did a creditable job throughout and particularly in the race, making the most of good pace. This, together with the strategic calls from the pit wall, enabled us to keep in touch with the McLarens.

“We are where we are at present, but Roberto and Will are pushing hard to make the most of every opportunity that comes our way – including pushing each other – so the improvement is continual and this can only aid our development for next year.”

While Manor is yet to score a championship in 2015, the British team recorded its seventh two-car finish at Spa.

Click here for F1i's driver ratings after the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

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