Stevens pleased to be ahead of Merhi

Manor driver Will Stevens says he was happy to out-qualify teammate Roberto Merhi.

A late lap from Stevens in Q1 saw the Briton out-qualify the Spaniard.

After qualifying, Stevens admitted he struggled to get a good lap together during the opening stages in Q1.

“I’m pretty pleased with how we have ended the day. I didn’t get a good lap on my first run, but it all came together for my second timed lap and I’m pleased to be ahead for the start of tomorrow’s race.

Despite the disrupted running due to a diesel leak in FP1, wet weather in FP2 and Carlos Sainz’s crash in FP3, Stevens managed to complete a long run in final practice and stated that the car felt good ahead of Sunday’s race in Sochi.

“We haven’t had much opportunity for preparation this weekend, but this morning I got a long run in and the car feels good.”