Marussia in Best Form Yet

After completing a full winter test programme for the first time, Marussia are feeling confident ahead of their fourth season in F1.

(c) Marussia F1 Team

Team Principal John Booth has talked about the Banbury based teams chances and winter testing, as they look to impress in Australia.

Speaking in a team statement he said “Although certain aspects of our winter were quite challenging, the overwhelming feeling we take into the Australian Grand Prix is great optimism.”

He continued “In many ways we are on our best shape ever as a Team and everyone is thriving on that and looking forward to what we hope will be a positive 19-race journey ahead. Our new package has performed well in pre-season testing, with encouraging signs in terms of performance and reliability.”

He also discussed his two new rookie signings, saying “we also gave two very exciting young drivers in the car. Whilst they are both ‘F1’ rookies, their combined depth of experience rising through the ranks in the junior formulae and in F1-sipported young driver programmes leaves them well-placed for their debut season. It is still too early to fully appreciate the progress we have made for 2013, as that wide picture has a habit of revealing itself in Melbourne, but we make the long journey there this weekend feeling confident in our direction.”

British racer Max Chilton is excited about his debut season. “I can’t wait for Australia and the start of my debut season. The past few weeks of pre-season testing have flown by, but I’ve spent a lot of time in the car working on so many different things that I feel totally prepared for what lies ahead now.

The 21-year-old feels confident in the data gathered during winter testing, saying “we gathered a lot of information with the MR02 in Jerez and Barcelona and at every stage it has been possible to see the benefit of all that learning and development. I hope to continue that in the opening races.”

His team-mate for this season will be fellow rookie Jules Bianchi, who despite the quick signing feels prepared and ready for F1. He said “So much has happened over the past couple of weeks that its difficult to get my head around the fact that I am about to begin my Formula 1 career in Melbourne next weekend. I guess excitement is the only emotion I’ve had time to experience, there has been so much to do and so many people to meet.”

The Frenchman feels confident despite the rush, “Things happen for a reason and I feel confident that we are going to have a very positive season together. There is a nice and positive vibe about the Team and good signs from the work that has been done with the MR02.”

The inexperienced line up looks to be a very interesting one to watch throughout the year.