Marussia to run only one in car in Russian GP

"JEM" (jem)
10/10/2014 at 09:26 • Filed to: F1

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Marussia has confirmed that it will run only one car in Russia this weekend, despite reserve driver Alex Rossi being entered and on standby.

The team has now officially withdrawn the car, which remains in the garage carrying Bianchi's number 17. It was clearly a difficult decision to make, given that racing both cars in Bianchi's honor was one possible course of action.

Team boss John Booth meanwhile is still in Japan, with Bianchi's family and his manager Nicolas Todt.

The full statement from the team reads: " The Marussia F1 Team will run a single car for the duration of the forthcoming grand prix weekend in Sochi, out of respect for their driver Jules Bianchi, who remains in hospital in Yokkaichi, Japan, in a critical but stable condition.

"The Team have written to the Stewards of the Meeting to inform them that they have withdrawn their second car. Notwithstanding the presence in Sochi of Alexander Rossi, the nominated Official Reserve Driver for the 2014 Russian Grand Prix, the Team feels strongly that fielding a single car, that of driver number 4, Max Chilton, is the appropriate course of action under the difficult circumstances of the weekend.

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"Jules' car crew have built a second car, which has been scrutineered and is ready to race, and this will remain on his side of the garage throughout the weekend. In support of Jules and his family, the Team and their cars will carry the familiar #JB17 graphic, to ensure that although Jules is not with them in Sochi this weekend, he is, nonetheless, racing on with the Marussia F1 Team."

Max Chilton said: "I don't know how to put into words how truly devastated I am by what has happened to Jules. The support from the F1 family has been incredible and all we can do is be there to support Jules' family at this difficult time. It is going to be a very emotional weekend for the whole Team, but we will try to get through it and keep praying for Jules."

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether Rossi gets the opportunity to compete at his home race in Austin.

Keep fighting Jules.

DISCUSSION (9)

ttyymmnn > JEM
10/10/2014 at 09:28

Classy move. Good on them.

Mike > JEM
10/10/2014 at 09:31

Say what you will about Marussia's abilities, but they are certainly handling this in a very mature way.

JEM > JEM
10/10/2014 at 09:36

Also - the FIA have added the Australian CAMS safety experts to the Russian GP stewards/marshals to heighten safety:

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct…

McMike > JEM
10/10/2014 at 09:42

Maybe I'm cold and insensitive (I'll be awaiting opinions on that), but I think this is going too far.

Does Rossi have ro use Jules' number?

(That's a good question, actually - what happens with reserve drivers when they step in? Do they use the number on the car, or do they use their own number. Do they even have their own number?)

(IMO) The way to respect a racing driver is not letting his points go to waste. Jules and Marussia have been fighting to earn points for the last two years. Now they have two points, and a definite advantage over Caterham and Sauber in the championship

What if Chilton DNFs and a Caterham or a Sauber scores 3 or more points?

Don't let Jules' points go to waste.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > JEM
10/10/2014 at 09:45

this is certainly not what Jules would've wanted. Racing must go on.

JEM > McMike
10/10/2014 at 09:50

No worries, I'm old, cold and generally insensitive myself often times. You raised a couple good points in a respectful fashion so again no worries about it.

As for the driver number, I believe they are now tied to each driver specifically so Rossi would run a different number.

As for the points, honestly it hadn't occurred to me but it's a good (ungh no pun intended) point to make. I would guess that that is the furthest thing from Marussia's mind right now. I know this is F1 and Jules made a huge step for them this year in Monaco, but respect/concern would trump that easily I imagine, at least for this race. I would imagine them to come out fighting with 2 cars for the remaining few races, especially as you mentioned, to honor those points they scored.

It's one thing I understand/get about racing, as strange as this is. The show must go on. There is definitely a time for mourning/respect but the best thing to do is get back to business as soon as possible and get back on that horse.

UserNotFound > McMike
10/10/2014 at 09:53

You know, as far as numbers are concerned, I had the same question, because I was curious what number Rossi would use when he got a race seat. I can't find any information whatsoever on what number Lotterer raced under at Spa.

I agree that it is important to show respect for Jules, and I think the entire F1 world has been doing that. But it is also important to remember that Jules is still alive. I don't think it's disrespectful to him to allow Rossi to race in his place. In fact, going off what you said, it would give Marussia a chance to work with the points that Jules won for them in the first place.

JEM > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
10/10/2014 at 10:16

I agree (see my reply to McMike) - but I think sitting out just one race so soon after is a good sign of respect.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > McMike
10/10/2014 at 10:19

I think if I were Jules and I were coherent to make the decision, I'd tell Rossi to race.