Car delay stalls Marussia testing

28 January 2014 12:46

Formula One team Marussia got their 2014 season off to the worst possible start when their car didn't arrive in time to take part in the first day of testing at Jerez in southern Spain.

A series of new technical regulations has left many teams rushing to get their cars off the production line in time for testing ahead of the season's opening race in Melbourne, Australia, on March 16.

In all, 10 of the 11 teams plan to test in Jerez with only Lotus missing.

Marussia confirmed the new MR03 model has now left the team's technical base in Banbury, Oxfordshire and should arrive in Jerez in time to take part in testing on Thursday.

"After encountering a small but frustrating technical glitch with the MR03 during its sign-off, we are very pleased to inform you that the car is now well on its way from our Technical Centre in Banbury, bound for Jerez," Marussia said in a statement on their official Facebook page.

"The garage here is ready and waiting and we look forward to seeing the car arrive tomorrow. Thanks for all your support!"

Malaysian team Caterham also experienced opening day glitches as they were forced to postpone their planned launch on Tuesday morning.

In an extremely quiet morning on the track, 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton was fastest by a distance as he completed 18 laps in his new W05 Mercedes.

Source: AFP