Merhi hopes to extend his stay

Editor

Roberto Merhi says he faces an uncertain future with Manor but hopes his efforts with ensure a full season in Formula 1.

Merhi joined the team just days before the start of the new season, however, signed only a short-term contract for the "opening races" of the season.

His efforts in Malaysia, the only race he has started to date, earned him praise from sporting director Graeme Lowdon who gave him his backing.

But despite that the Spaniard says his future remains uncertain.

"I do not know how many races I will do," he told Autosport. "At the moment, I'm just working race by race."

Merhi, though, is hoping that his efforts out on track – both in F1 and in the Formula Renault 3.5 series – will secure a full season with Manor.

"My target is to do a full season in Formula 1. Formula 1 has the priority.

"What I need to do in Formula Renault 3.5 is lead the championship by a long way and then maybe I can win that and do Formula 1 as well."