Alexander Rossi to drive in Russia?

It's clear that Jules, even with the best outcome, is out for the rest of the season at a minimum. Rossi is the contracted test driver. Logically, he should become the first American since Scott Speed to start a F1 race in about a week.

Anyone else on the horizon?

 

Chilton has an older, even more useless brother ...

 

Marussia need money so Verstappen perhaps - on the one hand they are (sort of) Russian owned and would love to have a second car out - on the other I imagine it could be a great challenge for them to build another car in the few days available even if they travel with most of the parts

 

He is contracted to toro rosso. Chance of him stepping in for Marrusia is as good as nil

 

Assuming that they can field a second car it should be Rossi.

 

What is Petrov doing these days???

I do not think they will have a second car ready. I would not be surprised if they pulled out of Sochi altogether.

 

Good point, I think he will get the drive because of $$$ of course.

 

Blick is saying Rossi will get the drive.

 

Just now confirmed on Bernie's site;

Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website - Headlines - Rossi set to substitute for Bianchi in Russia

Cheers,
Ian

 

A boost for Austin GP ticket sales

 

Sadly Marussia decided not to have a 2nd car in Sochi out of respect for Bianchi.

Or are they simply missing parts to build a new car?

Anyway, hopefully Rossi gets his F1 debut in Austin. I couldn't think of a more appropriate place for an American to start his career.

 

"The team have built a second car, which will remain on Bianchi's side of the garage throughout the weekend." - from:

BBC Sport - Marussia to run one car in Russia after Jules Bianchi crash

 

I can think of other better tributes than leaving a car not running.

Rossi must be quite unhappy to sit out the race when it's race seat opportunities that really make guys sign up to be test drivers. Is this cost-saving for Marussia if they are unconvinced that Rossi is capable of running well in Sochi?

All the best,
Andrew.

 

Cost saving or not having all the bits and pieces for a complete car.

Think of it: This is a Russian team and this is the Russian GP. Hello!

Bianchi isn't getting any better because of this. Nor will he ever be sitting in a F1 car again.

This is just plain stupid.

 

Perhaps they think the main reason they run is to get the cars (and sponsor graphics) shown on TV and that the car will get more attention being filmed sitting in the garage than it would bring driven by Rossi.

I fear Bianchi would be very lucky indeed to be able to live a semi-normal life again. His racing career is sadly over.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

Have you seen the Marussia car in Bianchi's side of the garage? If that's a complete car, it's insides are invisible.

 

I like the plan except they need sponsors first.

The good news is that Rossi gets a drive for the rest of the year after this suitable act of respect.

 

I find this hard to believe.

 

According to an interview on the BBC, Bianchi's car has been put through and passed scrutineering so it has to be a complete car.

TBH, I think having Bianchi's car there, fully built and ready to race is actually quite a fitting tribute to their driver and quite respectful.

Sticking another driver in the car immediately would show a lack of compassion to Me, it would be as if they were saying: "Our life goes on Jules and you're easily replaced!".

As for people suggesting that Marussia are using Bianchi's accident and car as some sort of publicity stunt, that's a bit crass as far as I'm concerned!