Sunday: The Marussias miss their starts but finish the race
The Marussia cars of Jules Bianchi and Max Chilton both experienced a problem during the lights out, forcing them to start from the pit lane. However, both single-seaters managed to finish the race, bringing satisfaction to the Russian team.
Max Chilton (n°4) – 13th (after Ricciardo’s disqualification)
Just like his teammate, Max Chilton experienced a problem on the starting grid (before the first formation lap), forcing him to start from the pits: « The start was extremely unsettling. I was on the grid, going through the usual procedures, and suddenly everything turned off. Fortunately, the team reset the circuits and I was able to start from the pit lane. »
The race then proceeded without incident for the British driver: « It was quite pleasant to be able to catch up with Ericsson. We have learned a lot which puts us in a good position to prepare for the next race but also to start developing the car in the long term ».
Satisfaction is therefore in order for Chilton after this first Grand Prix: « Even if today’s race wasn’t perfect, we are starting the season with two cars finishing and for my part a 14th place [Editor’s note: 13th place following Daniel Ricciardo’s disqualification]. It’s a great reward for the whole team who worked very hard. »
Jules Bianchi (n°17) – Unclassified
Stationary on the starting grid after the second formation lap, Jules Bianchi had to start from the pit lane with a significant delay (6 laps). The Marussia driver still managed to reach the finish of this first Grand Prix, an unexpected result: « The problem at the start was worrying, I didn’t expect to be able to race, but the team worked hard and got me back on track ».
With a delay of 6 laps, the Frenchman naturally did not expect to achieve a result; his objectives were entirely different: « To be in the race, reach the finish, gather as much information as possible, and test different strategies to optimize the engine block. ».
After this improvised practice session, the French driver looks forward to the next Grand Prix in Malaysia: « As in a test session, mileage is important. The kilometers covered today will be crucial for the engineers to help the team progress. I hope to reap the benefits as early as the next Grand Prix in Malaysia »
