Marussia’s sporting director Graeme Lowdon insists the team will see out the 2014 season despite rumours to the contrary.
Speculation has it that Marussia might not make it to the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, with some reports even suggesting they wouldn’t be at the Belgian GP last month which proved untrue.
Lowdon admits times are certainly tough, but says the team has the funding in place for the remaining five races of the current season.
“Is it plain sailing, navigating a company through an industry that has the cost structure of Formula One? No,” Lowdon told the Press Association. “But if we didn’t think we could be here, then we wouldn’t be here.
“You don’t want to give the wrong impression by glibly saying ‘yes, we’re fine’ because it’s always a challenge operating businesses in this environment.
“I can say that, yes, we have the funds for this season. If we didn’t, we shouldn’t be here.”
He refused however to confirm if they will be on the grid in 2015, but revealed that the team are working on next year’s car already and the progress is encouraging.
“Nobody can state unequivocally they will be racing next season,” he added. “Not a single person in this pit lane can do that.
“Look at Honda, Toyota and BMW who all pulled out at the drop of a hat. They were companies who had finances to be in this sport, but chose not to.
“We are quite happy with the progress we’re seeing [on the new car].
“The bottom line is: times are tough, but we’re still here, still on the grid, still fighting, and at this stage we’re doing everything to be on the grid in 2015.”
