Sunday: Problems prevented Marussia from having a better celebration
The Marussia team expected to have a better race today, but a premature stop to change a wing for Jules Bianchi and a problem during a stop for Max Chilton did not allow them to achieve the expected result. However, the drivers of the Russian team remain pleased with the progress made.
Jules Bianchi – 18th:
I feel like I’ve taken part in a very difficult race today, but it wasn’t too apparent. I’m obviously thrilled to have had three very good stints, but the damage was done in the early laps after having to pit to change a wing. I think we came back well afterwards and without that extra stop, I think we could have fought with Bottas today. Our lap times were much better than his and I managed to reduce the gap to 8 seconds in the last stint, but pushing so hard damaged our tires and I had to slow down to focus on making it to the finish.
Seeing the finish line once more with our two cars is important for us. It was a race that demanded maximum concentration and I clearly put the tire management learned during the first four races to good use today, so it was a tiring day but one from which we can draw positives. I’ll focus on that and hope things will be better for my home race in Monaco in two weeks.
Max Chilton – 19th:
« It was disappointing to get off to a bad start and then have an issue during a stop, which set me back even further. What is encouraging today is my lap time with clear space ahead of me, which I’m delighted about, and it’s nice to be able to demonstrate a bit more of my intrinsic pace compared to the last races. If we can sort out our issues, we can really drive more our way. The pace is there so we should be able to close the gap to the midfield. The next race is one of my favorites, and I’m going to do everything I can to be well prepared for my first time in a Formula 1 car there [in Monaco]. Hopefully, we can get a better reward for our efforts. »
