Manor team principal John Booth concedes his marque 'have a lot of work to do ' after their weekend was saved by the Malaysian Grand Prix stewards . After emerging from administration in February and being forced to sit out the season-opening race in Australia due to IT infrastructure woes , the South Yorkshire-based team will race in Malaysia . However , rookie Roberto Merhi failed to set a time within the 107 per cent rule for qualifying , whilst team-mate Will Stevens did not even take to the track due to a fuel system issue . Roberto Merhi failed to post a time within the 107 per cent rule but will be allowed to race in on Sunday . Manor Marussia drivers Stevens ( left ) of Great Britain and Roberto Merhi of Spain . The stewards , though , granted both drivers dispensation to take part in the race at the Sepang International Circuit due to them setting 'satisfactory times in practice ' . Manor 's return to competitive action was always going to be an uphill struggle , and so it has proven , with Merhi and Stevens some way off the pace of those cars directly ahead of them . Assessing the situation , Booth said : 'We knew our first weekend of running would not be without its challenges . 'Although we had a positive day on Friday , it has been important to keep our expectations for qualifying in check . 'Our two drivers have done a solid job and Friday 's practice showed promise in terms of having the pace for the 107 per cent time . But today underlined we have a lot of work to do . ' Will Stevens failed to emerge from the garage , pictured here in practice on Friday , following mechanical woes . Manor team principal John Booth concedes they 'have a lot of work to do ' this season after difficult start . Essex-born Stevens has now attended two grands prix with Manor , but has yet to take part in qualifying . Being in the race , however , at least affords Manor and the drivers the opportunity to make progress . 'Obviously I was very disappointed not to take part in qualifying , ' said Stevens . 'In FP3 we had a fuel system problem and we were trying to resolve that , but sadly we were n't able to get on top of it in time for me to take part . 'Looking at the positives , as we always try to do , the practice sessions showed promise and my times were within the 107 per cent throughout Friday . 'Step by step we 'll get there . '
F1 team decided to start Sepang race after their first race of season . Roberto Merhi and Brit Will were granted dispensation by stewards . Team principal stew ##ards admits they ' have a lot of things to do '