Bianchi Accident: Marussia Outraged Over Certain Rumors
In recent days, rumors have suggested that Jules Bianchi did not really slow down under the double yellow flag before his crash on the Suzuka circuit during the Japanese Grand Prix, and this, on orders from his team. In a statement, Marussia wanted to respond to these false allegations.
The accident of Jules Bianchi and its circumstances continue to be a topic of discussion in recent days. Although the FIA clarified its position on the sidelines of the Russian Grand Prix following the off-track incident of the French driver, several rumors have emerged.
One of them suggested that the Marussia team had ordered Bianchi not to slow down too much in the double yellow flag zone following Adrian Sutil’s off-track excursion, in order to catch up with Marcus Ericsson’s Caterham, a few seconds ahead of him.
Shocked by these allegations that it considers inappropriate, the Marussia team issued a statement to clarify, once again, its attitude during this crucial period of the last Japanese Grand Prix:
Marussia is shocked and irritated by these allegations, at a time when their driver is seriously injured in the hospital. The team has made it clear that their priority is the attention given to Jules and his family. It is distressing to have to respond to deeply upsetting rumors and inaccuracies regarding the circumstances of Jules’ accident. However, since these allegations are completely false, the team has no choice but to put an end to them.
Regarding point No. 1, Jules slowed down under double yellow flags. This is an irrefutable fact, as proven by the telemetry data the team provided to the FIA. During the FIA press conference held in Sochi on Friday, October 10, Charlie Whiting, the FIA race director, confirmed that the team had submitted this data, that he had reviewed it, and that Jules had indeed slowed down.
Regarding point #2, an audio copy of the complete radio transmission between Jules and the team, as well as a written transcript of it, have been provided to the FIA. It is quite clear from the transmission and the transcript that, at no time during the period leading up to Jules’ accident, did the team urge Jules to drive faster or make any comments suggesting he should do so.
The team sincerely hopes that after clarifying these facts, it can now avoid further distractions from its main objective at this time, which is to provide support for Jules and his family.
