Marussia take first steps to go beyond Jules Bianchi accident

Max Chilton, centre, says he and the Marussia team will head home and regroup. Valdrin Xhemaj / Reuters

SOCHI // Max Chilton and his emotional Marussia Formula One team are focused on putting a difficult week behind them after a disappointing Russian Grand Prix.

With Frenchman Jules Bianchi remaining in critical condition in a Japanese hospital following his horrific crash last Sunday, Chilton was the team's only driver at the Sochi Autodrome.

The 23-year-old Briton’s race ended early when his car had problems after just nine laps.

Now, he said, the task is to regroup, refocus and return to the paddock in three weeks time for the United States Grand Prix at Austin, Texas.

“After an incredibly tough week for everyone in the team, we all deserved so much more from this race,” Chilton said. “It hasn’t been an easy day, far from it, and all the guys have had to dig deep to get us to the grid.

“When we got there of course, it was very emotional with all the support for Jules. I think the team, the sport and all the fans have really done him proud.”

The accident, which resulted in Bianchi requiring emergency brain surgery, has united the F1 fraternity.

Before Sunday’s 53-lap contest, the 21 competing drivers and Sauber reserve Giedo van der Garde formed a circle on the grid and shortly after held a minute’s silence.

Several drivers – most notably Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso – have this week appeared visibly shaken by the crash.

Many have carried messages of support on their helmet and car chassis.

“What the team needs now is to head home for support from their families and colleagues back at the factory,” Chilton said. “Somehow, we need to find the strength to regroup and move forward, which is hard to contemplate right now.”

Although Marussia registered American rookie Alexander Rossi to fill Bianchi’s place, the team eventually opted against running the second car out of respect for their stricken colleague.

Bianchi’s name remained above his pit garage.

Dave Greenwood, Marussia’s chief engineer, said the team will be required to consider filling the race seat for the remaining three races of the season but that, for now, they are looking solely at getting home to the team’s base in Banbury, England.

“This is not the race outcome we were hoping for, but I think we can be justifiably proud of the way we have pulled together this weekend,” Greenwood said.

“We have taken huge encouragement from the tremendous support shown towards Jules by the entire F1 community and for that we are extremely grateful.

“We hope that it has helped Jules’ family at this difficult time. At some stage we will need to look ahead to the remaining races of the season, but for now, we’re pleased to be heading home.”

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