21/08/2014
NEWS STORY
Max Chilton is the second driver to be dropped for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, as the Briton stands down in favour of Alexander Rossi.
Announcing the decision, Marussia issued the following brief statement:
The Marussia F1 Team will provide Alexander Rossi with the opportunity to make his Grand Prix debut at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps. Alexander will race alongside Jules Bianchi, substituting for Max Chilton while contractual issues are resolved.
Alexander joined the Team as Reserve Driver last month, the announcement coming at the Hungarian Grand Prix. He has taken part in a number of Friday morning Free Practice 1 sessions with his previous team (Caterham) but this weekend will see him 'racing' a Formula 1 car for the first time.
"Although it was not our intention to offer Alexander the possibility to race this season, in light of the circumstances we are pleased to be providing him with the opportunity to make his Grand Prix debut at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps," said team boss John Booth. "Naturally we hope to resume normal service with respect to our established race driver line-up as soon as possible, but for now we wish Alexander well for the weekend ahead and we look forward to seeing him in action."
"It goes without saying that I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to race in Formula 1 for the first time and I cannot thank the Marussia F1 Team enough for the faith they are demonstrating in me," said Rossi. "It's a very big moment for me and there's a lot to prepare in a short space of time, but on the other hand I have felt ready for this for quite a while now. It is also exciting to be given this opportunity at such a fantastic and historical circuit as Spa-Francorchamps. I can't wait to drive the MR03 from tomorrow and I hope to reward the team with a solid race weekend."
In a subsequent tweet, Chilton's management, Sports PR Company, said: "Max Chilton has volunteered to step out of his race seat for this weekend's race in spa, Belgium, to allow the team to attract much needed funds by selling his seat.
"Max will attend the race and be on hand to support the team in any way possible.
"It is expected that Marussia will invite reserve driver Alexander Rossi to take Max's seat.
"Marussia are currently in talks with several new investors and it is expected the situation will be resolved before the next race in the F1 calendar in Monza."