Rossi concluded his five-race deal with Manor in Brazil, and now the 24-year-old must wait to discover if he will return for 2016 as owner Stephen Fitzpatrick mulls over his driver lineup. The American brought the car home in all five races, finishing ahead of teammate Will Stevens (FAR LEFT, with Rossi) in three – with the Briton retiring in one other – before losing out in his final run at Interlagos.

Assessing his performance, Rossi said: "It's always difficult to come in three-quarters of the way through a year. But to consistently be in front of the other car, in a lot of different situations, weather conditions and environments, was a very positive thing.

"I always look back and think, 'Yeah, that could have gone better' but, from the outside looking in, I think I've done a good job and proven I'm more than capable of being in an F1 car and racing at this level.

"As to my chances, I'm confident. As I said, I've done a very good job in the car, pretty much maximized most of the weekends to give myself the best chance."

With an answer not due until after the end of the F1 campaign, Rossi first has his sights set on securing the runner-up spot in GP2 behind McLaren reserve Stoffel Vandoorne in Abu Dhabi next weekend. He recently revealed he came close to not even being on the grid, having been close to accepting a 2015 IndyCar seat with Dale Coyne Racing.

Rossi would like to think he has proven himself across both F1 and its primary support category, adding: "Coupled with the GP2 results I've had this year, I'm in a very strong position for next year. I'm in a fortunate position where I'm not just in one championship, in a car that can't compete, I get to go and race something else.

"To have had this 2015 I've had, I would have never expected it at the end of last year, so I'm very happy to have experienced everything I have. What that means at the moment, I don't know, because there are a lot of guys going for two seats. But I've got a good relationship with the team, and I have had for about a year now. It would be great to put everything together."