Merhi Replaces Stevens at Manor for 24H Le Mans

Photo: Manor F1 Team

The game of musical chairs in the LMP2 class has continued, with Manor confirming Thursday that Roberto Merhi will take Will Stevens’ seat for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Stevens has been loaned out to G-Drive Racing for the French endurance classic, following Nathanael Berton’s departure from the Russian-backed team.

Merhi joins Matt Rao and Tor Graves in Manor’s solo No. 44 Oreca 05 Nissan for the race.

The ex-Formula One driver has driven Manor’s No. 45 car in the opening two WEC races this season, although that car is not entered for Le Mans.

“I am very excited to be taking part in this great race that has so much history,” Merhi said. “I am really looking forward to racing with Matt and Tor and seeing what we can achieve together.

“I would like to thank the team for this amazing opportunity.”

Manor WEC team principal John Booth added: “We are looking forward to our first Le Mans and excited with our driver line up.

“Roberto and Matt have already shown they are a great partnership, achieving a podium finish in the Team’s second ever sports car race and we are sure that Tor will add to this already familiar partnership.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John