Manor to Melbourne?

Yesterday it was announced that a 10-team entry list has been finalised for the season opener in Melbourne in a fortnight’s time. It is hoped that Manor F1 team, formerly Marussia, will line up on the grid to make a twenty car field.

2014 MR03 driven by Max Chilton

Due to the financial turmoil that surrounds the smaller teams in Formula 1, Marussia entered administration at the tail end of last season forcing them to pull out of the final three rounds in the United States, Brazil and Abu Dhabi. However, last Thursday Manor F1 received the necessary financial backing from the head of Ovo energy and the former boss of Sainsbury’s, Justin King. Thus providing the financial means to compete in the 2015 season and also to continue the technical services of McLaren and the provision of engines from Ferrari.

In the BBC’s coverage of the Monaco race where Jules Bianchi finished in 9^th place securing the team’s first ever points, I distinctly remember Eddie Jordan interviewing Marussia’s chief executive Graeme Lowdon in the race’s post mortem. In the interview they discussed that the points scored would be enough in itself to secure the future of Marussia for 2015. In January, the team’s assets and cars were auctioned off. What a difference 6 months makes. But as a result of the auction fans got the first glimpse of what a 2015 car would look like as pictures were released of the MR04 which will become the MNR1. From this we know that subject to crash testing, they will have a basis to develop a car throughout the season but will be without the benefit of pre-season testing.

Pictures released of the 2015 Marussia as a result of the auction

What else do we know? Well, subject to gaining a super license, Britain’s Will Stevens has secured a drive with Manor, but the other seat has not been confirmed as of yet. Stevens drove for Caterham in the Abu Dhabi race of 2014 when they returned for the season close due to crowdfunding. Prior to his one Grand Prix start, Stevens finished 6^th in the 2014 Formula Renault 3.5 championship and was then signed by Marussia as their reserve driver, but this fell through due to not meeting the time frame required by the FIA to enlist. As for his financial backing, I am unaware of the money he brings to Marussia. I think it is a fair assessment to say that the signing of Stevens would be a monetary decision whether due to his low salary or any corporate backing he may have.

Personally, I am very happy to see the return of Marussia in this capacity. Many will have been endeared to them due to Chilton’s 100% finish rate in 2013, the success of Bianchi and the team in Monaco. Also the testing crash involving Maria De Villota and the terrible incidents of Japan where Bianchi suffered severe head injuries will have made many be sympathetic towards Marussia. It will also be good to see a twenty car grid as eighteen would have been a sparse and glaring reminder every race of the lack of money the smaller teams receive leading to the fold of Marussia and Caterham in the first place. Sauber should be happy with the news as well. Their 2015 car is very similar to that used during 2014 and from this I think they will be happy Manor will offer competition as to who props up the Constructors’ Championship and receives no prize money.

Nevertheless, hopefully Manor F1 will make Melbourne.

(Videos uploaded from 2014 Silverstone Young Drivers Test- filmed on iPhone)