Sky Sports F1 understands Marussia could return to the F1 grid in Abu Dhabi
Ted Kravitz reports that 2015 entry lodged under Manor Grand Prix Limited, but team hoping to compete at season finale
By William Esler
Last Updated: 03/11/14 12:34am
Sky Sports F1 understands Marussia could return to the F1 grid as soon as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The team entered administration last week and missed Sunday’s United States Grand Prix and they will also be absent from the next event in Brazil.
Marussia were born out of successful junior formula squad Manor Competition and entered F1 in 2010 as Virgin Racing. They were renamed after the Russian car company invested in the team, but having seen the sportscar company fold in April, owner Andrey Cheglakov decided he could no longer fund the team.
“The positive news is that we are hearing they are targeting a return if they can sort out what they are calling their business problems – they fact is they are in administration – and get some investors on board,” revealed Sky F1's Ted Kravitz during his race notebook in Austin. "They are targeting coming back not only next year, but this year as well.
“I understand they have lodged an entry under Manor Grand Prix Limited for the 2015 World Championship and that they are targeting being in Abu Dhabi if they can get some solid investment in place. Bernie Ecclestone has said that they can come to Abu Dhabi so they are targeting that and it is thought Alexander Rossi will be the second driver alongside Max Chilton.
“I think theoretically they could have made it to Brazil if the money got in on time, but of course they can’t get the freight there in time. Bernie Ecclestone is supporting the effort for the team formally known as Marussia.
“If we see them in Abu Dhabi who knows, but everything is ready to go, the freight is ready to go, the people are ready to go, the passes are ready, the flights are booked and paid for already.”
