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There is renewed hope today that Marussia will return to the grid in 2015 after an auction of the team’s assets was postponed, amid suggestions a new – and as yet unknown – investor has entered the equation.
A statement issued by Marussia’s administrators, FRP Advisory LLP, said: “A planned auction of the Company’s remaining assets due to commence on Wednesday 21 January 2015 has been halted to allow for discussions to continue with a third party.”
The planned auction included the team’s 2014 cars, spare parts and race day equipment; all of which is needed for Marussia to race in season opener in Australia in March.
The Banbury team was placed in administration in October last year and missed the last three Grands Prix of the season. They collapsed with debts exceeding £31 million ($57 million AUD); with their biggest creditor Ferrari owed more than half that amount.
However they remain attractive to investors because they are due to collect £26m ($47 million AUD) in prize money from last season, providing they compete this year.
Team chiefs Graeme Lowdon and John Booth have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure financial backing. Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ Lowdon is cautiously optimistic that the team can be saved.
“There have been some auctions already but none of the equipment that has been sold so far is essential for the team to go forward,” he said. “But if that equipment went it would be difficult.”
“It’s certainly possible for the team to get there,” he added. “It would be good news for Formula One and for our fans certainly.”
Marussia, who have been provisionally entered under the name ‘Manor Formula One’ for 2015, have not built a 2015 car and will need to seek dispensation from the FIA World Council to use its 2014 cars, despite a rule change that affects the nose.
However this is considered a mere formality after a meeting of the rule-making strategy group agreed last November to allow both Marussia and Caterham to use their 2014 cars in 2015.
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