adminMarussia will run just one car at this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix out of respect for Jules Bianchi. The Frenchman is in a critical but stable condition with severe head injuries after crashing in Japan.
Marussia said they felt “fielding a single car, that of Max Chilton, is the appropriate course of action under the difficult circumstances”.
The team have built a second car, which will remain on Bianchi’s side of the garage throughout the weekend.
The two cars – Chilton’s on the track and Bianchi’s in the garage – will carry a graphic saying “#JB17”. This, the team said, was “to ensure that although Jules is not with them in Sochi this weekend, he is nonetheless racing on with the Marussia F1 team.”
The F1 drivers are all carrying on their helmets a slogan in support of Bianchi, which reads: “Tous avec Jules #17” (all with Jules).
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.”
Marussia president Graeme Lowdon said: “The main thing we wanted to do was something useful for Jules and his family.
“But also we’re lying ninth in the world championship, a very important position for us and we’re largely in that position because of Jules.” — BBC Sport
Online Reporter