Manor Racing got its 2016 season challenge underway at a rain-soaked Albert Park in Melbourne today. These weren't quite the conditions Pascal Wehrlein and Rio Haryanto would have hoped for as they took part in their maiden practice sessions, but they did a great job, kept it on the black stuff and together posted more laps than any other team. Not a bad start to their debut season.

Pascal Wehrlein: "This wasn't the best weather for the first day of my debut season, but a pretty good start I think. The main target was to get as many laps as possible, no matter what the conditions, and that's what we did. Even in the dry it would have been difficult to compare ourselves with the other teams so early in the first weekend but I was able to start pushing a little to explore the package we have here in Melbourne. I'm happy and now looking forward to preparing for my first qualifying tomorrow. My thanks to the team for a good first day."

Rio Haryanto: "Today's weather was something different, that's for sure. I've never run in an F1 car in the wet so although a day like today can have its frustrations, it was very positive to get this experience so soon. Another box ticked. Of course it would have been good to get some more dry running today to help prepare for the rest of the weekend. The next couple of days are unpredictable but hopefully the worst of the weather is behind us and we can attack the programme again tomorrow."

Dave Ryan, Racing Director: "It's been a tricky start to the first event of the season and the rain, though predicted, kept everyone on their toes. That's difficult for any team and driver but perhaps more so for our two young rookies. Nevertheless, Pascal and Rio did exactly what was required of them today. They achieved as many laps as possible, brought the cars home and got some good experience along the way."

Check out our Friday gallery, here.