Marussia have informed the FIA that it will field just one car for the Russian Grand this weekend out of respect for Jules Bianchi.
The Frenchman remains in a critical but stable conditions in hospital following his Japanese GP crash last weekend.
The team have built up a second car which has undergone scrutineering and therefore the team aren’t falling foul of the regulations which stipulate they must run two cars.
However it won’t leave the garage, despite the team nominating reserve driver Alexander Rossi in Bianchi’s place earlier this week.
“Jules car crew have built a second car, which has been scrutineered and is ready to race, and this will remain on his side of the garage throughout the weekend,” read a statement.
“In support of Jules and his family, the team and their cars will carry the familiar #JB17 graphic, to ensure that although Jules is not with them in Sochi this weekend, he is, nonetheless, racing on with the Marussia F1 Team.”
The team were granted special dispensation by Bernie Ecclestone following the incident, which would have allowed them to pull out of the race completely.
Max Chilton will however race, but admitted it would be a difficult weekend.
“I don’t know how to put into words how truly devastated I am by what has happened to Jules,” said the Briton.
“The support from the F1 family has been incredible and all we can do is be there to support Jules’ family at this difficult time. It is going to be a very emotional weekend for the whole team, but we will try to get through it and keep praying for Jules.”
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