Roberto Merhi is open to a switch into IndyCar for 2016 as he looks to find a paid drive following a free role at Manor in Formula 1 this year.
After enjoying three practice run-outs with Caterham in 2014, Merhi stepped up to a full-time race seat with Manor at the beginning of 2015, making his race debut in Malaysia.
The Spaniard claimed the team’s best result in over a year by finishing 12th at Silverstone, but was dropped for five of the last seven races to make way for American driver Alexander Rossi.
Speaking to motorsport.com, Merhi said that he was unwilling to spend another year racing for free in F1 or other series such as Super Formula, but is keen to remain in single seaters.
“The target now is to be a professional racing driver and race in something where you can stay and without worrying if next race I’ll be in the car or not,” Merhi said.
“That’s the target. I think the year went well and I would love to continue after the results I had in the past and now. I think I belong in single-seaters and not in something with a roof.
“To be honest, I haven’t looked at [Super Formula] because I think at the end of the day most of the drivers pay and don’t get paid.
“So it’s not an option. I think in the past Super Formula was an option, but not now. It’s not as attractive as it was two or three years ago.”
Merhi said that he would like to race in IndyCar, believing that the car is similar to those he has raced in Formula Renault 3.5.
“I quite like the car,” Merhi said. “They are quick.
“The only thing is they are a bit too heavy, but they have massive downforce and I think it would be nice to drive it. It’s similar to a Formula Renault 3.5 car or something like that.”