Manor F1 driver Will Stevens accepts team's decision to skip test

As revealed by AUTOSPORT last week, Manor has chosen not to take part in the two-day session at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya as the team "has nothing to test" according to sporting director Graeme Lowdon.

Stevens, who missed the first two races due to various problems, would have loved the additional running, but naturally he has to abide by the team's decision.

"Clearly any time in the car is good because we still haven't had a test day of trying whatever we want, and to try and see if we can improve," Stevens told AUTOSPORT.

"I'll never turn down time in the car. It would have been nice to test, but the team has its reasons for not wanting to do it, and I'll stick by what they want to do."

Stevens led home team-mate Roberto Merhi in Spain, albeit three and four laps down respectively in finishing in 17th and 18th places.

However, Stevens has revealed the team's race was almost over at the opening corner but for a swift piece of evasive action from the Briton.

"Neither of us got an amazing start, but I was actually in front of him going into the first corner," added Stevens.

"He went around the outside of Turn 1, and I wasn't overly blessed with room.

"If I had kept my foot in then there would have been contact. For us to have come together on the first lap would have been pretty silly.

"It was just one of those first laps really. It's racing, we're here to beat each other, and it's nice to have a little race.

"This time I came off worse, next time he might. It's all part of racing."