Roberto Merhi has switched his focus to securing a 2016 seat on the Formula One grid after being dropped by Manor in favour of Alexander Rossi for five of the seven remaining races this year.
On Wednesday Manor announced American driver Rossi will make his debut at Singapore this weekend in place of Merhi, who has been on a race-by-race deal since the start of the season. Merhi, who will still race for the team in Russia and Abu Dhabi this season, admits he only found out about his demotion when he arrived in Singapore earlier this week.
"I flew in on Monday and when I arrived the team gave me the news that Rossi would be in my place for five of the seven races remaining," Merhi said. "For next season we don't know yet. We are looking for a Formula One seat and we will try to find the best option possible. Now in these days budget is really important and it is hard to find a budget."
Merhi is grateful for the opportunity given to him by Manor and acknowledges the fact it made a decision in the best interests of the team.
"At the beginning of the year when I came to Manor they gave me a great chance to be a part of a team and a driver of the team. For sure, I didn't know how long it was going to end up. At least I did 12 races, I think for a [young] driver in Formula One that is difficult. They gave me a very good chance to be in the car for 12 races and I want to say thank-you to them.
"Now they have taken a decision which is better for the team in the long-term results. We hope it is still competitive for the last two races I have this year and I will try to prepare now all the weekends I go with the team, from now until the end of the year, try to improve and learn as much as I can, to be ready for the races in Sochi and Abu Dhabi."
Merhi's 2016 race seat prospects look slim if he is not retained by Manor. Williams and Sauber have confirmed unchanged line-ups for next year, while Force India is expected to confirm Sergio Perez alongside Nico Hulkenberg in the next few weeks. New arrival Haas F1 also seems an unlikely destination, though the American team is yet to announce either driver for its debut in 2016.