Chilton ‘close’ to new Marussia deal

Max Chilton supports the cancer that is killing open wheel racing by bringing a big check to buy his ride

It looks like Max Chilton will remain on the Formula One grid in 2014 with Marussia revealing they are closing in on a new deal.

The 22-year-old made his debut for the Banbury squad at the start of this year, partnering fellow F1 rookie Jules Bianchi and helping Marussia to finish ahead of rivals Caterham in the Constructors' Championship.

Bianchi, who is basically on loan from Ferrari, has already had his contract extended by a year and it now appears he will once again have Chilton as his teammate.

Team principal John Booth says a new deal with the Briton is not far away.

"We are very close with Max, very close. He wants to stay and we want him to stay so it's a matter of sorting the details out really," Booth told Sky Sports.

"We like the lad and he's done a great job, particularly in the second half of the year. I think he's very comfortable here and very happy here."