Backmarkers Marussia are set to race only one car for the Russian Grand Prix as a mark of respect for their driver Jules Bianchi, who suffered a horrific crash at last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.
Reserve driver Alex Rossi was placed on the entry list in Bianchi's place, but Marussia have decided against racing a second car. Bianchi is currently fighting for his life in hospital after he collided with a recovery vehicle in Suzuka which was tending to Adrian Sutil's Sauber, who went off a lap earlier. With Bianchi in a 'critical but stable' condition, there is a sombre mood in the Formula One community as we head to Russia.
'The team feels strongly that fielding a single car... is the appropriate course of action under the difficult circumstances,' Marussia's statement read. They later added 'In support of Jules and his family, the team and their cars will carry the familiar #JB17 graphic.' All the drivers have united in carrying a support message for Jules on their helmets. The message, 'Tous avec Jules #17', in English is translated as 'all with Jules.'
Marussia prepared Bianchi's car in Sochi as if he was actually there, and this is seen as Marussia's way of showing their support and belief behind their young driver. Only Max Chilton will race for Marussia this weekend and he stressed how upset he was by what happened in Suzuka in Marussia's statement: 'I dont know how to put into words how truly devastated I am by what has happened to Jules.' He also praised the support and unity from the Formula One world and called it 'incredible'.
Marussia team boss Graeme Lowdon said 'the people in our team wanted to make an expression of support for Jules.' He also added that he and the team have had support from Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone: 'It's incredibly reassuring to know that people care. And if I could sum up the support we have had from Bernie is that he has cared.'