Leimer's Manor hopes shrink

Fabio Leimer's chances of securing the last seat on the 2015 grid at Marussia have shrunk.

Earlier, it was reported that the 2013 GP2 champion had escaped his new contract with the Mugen team in Japan's premier open wheeler series Super Formula.

Some thought that indicated the 25-year-old Swiss, whose earlier career was backed by the wealthy Rainer Gantenbein, would shortly be unveiled as the second driver at resurrected Manor for this season.

But Mugen has clarified that Leimer was in fact released from his deal because he was "unable to fulfil the contract terms".

Leimer has admitted it was a financial issue.

"Of course I am extremely disappointed," he said. "We went for the Japan adventure after we had found a representative in Japan.

"We signalled from the beginning that any budget had to be secured by him. Unfortunately, his promises and the trust placed in him were not tenable.

"However, we are already working on solutions for the coming season, which we can finance ourselves," Leimer added.

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