Marussia to field only one car at Russian GP

Max Chilton

Sochi, Oct 10 (IANS) Formula 1 team Marussia confirmed Friday that they will field only one car, that of Max Chilton, for the October 12 Russian Grand Prix as a mark of respect for their critically injured driver Jules Bianchi, who remains in hospital in Yokkaichi following a horrific accident at the Japanese GP October 5.

"We will run a single car for the duration of the forthcoming Grand Prix weekend in Sochi, out of respect for our driver Jules Bianchi, who remains in hospital in Yokkaichi, Japan, in a critical but stable condition. We have written to the stewards of the meeting to inform them that we have withdrawn our second car," a team statement said.

Marussia had the option of fielding Alexander Rossi, their reserve driver, for the first ever Russian GP but said fielding a single car "is the appropriate course of action under the difficult circumstances of the weekend".

"I am devastated 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 his 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 him," Chilton said.

Marussia team and its car will carry a familiar #JB17 graphic in support of Jules signifying the team's association with the driver.

The injured driver's automobile crew have built a second car which will remain in the team's garage throughout the race weekend.