Rossi's car gets Stars and Stripes treatment for Austin

This weekend, Rossi will become the first American to compete on home soil since Scuderia Toro Rosso's Scott Speed in 2007.

To celebrate the occasion, his Manor team have painted the Stars and Stripes on his car's rear wing, while the rest of the livery remains largely unchanged.

Chaotic week

Rossi has had a packed media schedule ahead of the Austin event, but says that he has no complaints because it is important for him to make the most of his presence in F1.

“It has been a very positive reception and even though it has been chaotic, it has been good to have it that way than the other way around,” he told Motorsport.com.

“Once tomorrow starts, the attention shifts to Friday, and then you can keep everything under control.

“But we are trying to make a point and make sure the people here enjoy the weekend. But it is a fine balance because you need to put some emphasis on the off-track stuff as well with an American racing in America.”

Wet weather opportunity

Rossi believes that with weather forecasts pointing towards a downpour on Friday and Saturday and showers expected for Sunday, there could be a good opportunity for Manor to secure a strong result.

“I think it is a good thing for us,” he said. “I have no issue with it raining, and I love driving in the wet.

“With the situation we are in in terms of performance, crazy weather can mix things up a little. So if that is the case, then all the way through Sunday will be about getting both cars to the end to capitalise on anyone else's mistakes.”