Footage of Bianchi's crash

[graeme]

I figured Massa's "screaming down the radio" could be because the Williams was running lower downforce than those around them... they qualified well in the dry, but went backwards in the wet race compared to the RB wet setup. So Massa probably was genuinely struggling compared to some others. Not the worst weather they've raced in.

[Mellow Yellow]

So after Rossi being on the official entry list and Marussia reportedly building two cars in their Sochi garage, they have announced they will only run one car this weekend.

What's everyone's thoughts on this?

Without sounding uncouth, I know it's a sensitive subject but it's a sore one for Rossi, he's their reserve driver, desperate to race in F1 and brings money to the team, the reserve driver is there to replace either race driver should they be unable to take part. It's tragic what has happened but running one car isn't going to change anything and will they only run one car for the rest of the season? When does it become appropriate to run another car.

[j2 lot]

Disappointing but I guess understandable, the fact that is only a week since the last race probably makes it more difficult, had it been a 2 week gap it might have been easier to do both emotionally and time wise. I think all the teams were on a tight schedule to get to Russia and to build a brand new car at the factory maybe wasn't viable.

[robin]

They surely have another car anyway - or at least the parts of another car - because if they crash big style during practice or qualifying, they need to build a new one anyway for the race.

I don't understand them running one car - I doubt very much Bianchi would expect them to run one car - if nothing else there is always the chance for points - imagine some big first corner pile up resulting in points for the cars at the back of the grid and imagine Caterham get the lions share of those points ... Marussia lose their place in the championship and associated funds.

It's also their home race.

So in short it makes no sense whichever way you look at it.

Cheers,
Robin

[jason]

They built up a second car for Bianchi's side of the garage yesterday, ie. the car Rossi would have driven. It's sitting in Bianchi's side of the garage with his no 17 on it. Effectively now silent a tribute.

Teams are not allowed built-up spare cars, so regardless of what happens to Chilton's car/chassis, this second car is not a 'spare' in that sense.

I think it's understandable the team runs just one car only 5 days since the accident - minds for those mechanics, race engineers, etc are surely still in turmoil. John Booth has remained in Japan at Bianchi's hospital. The team apparently made their decision after talking with Bianchi's family.

[tut]

Sad as it is, life goes on.

As stated above, if Bianchi was conscious I am sure he would have wanted them to run what would have been his car with the reserve driver.

tut