Max Chilton has to decide where to take his checkbook next

Max Chilton – his check would go a lot further in IndyCar where he could buy a ride capable of winning races

MOTORSPORT legend John Surtees believes Marussia being saved from going bust is driver Max Chilton's "only hope" of staying in Formula 1.

Administrators FRP Advisory confirmed on Monday that Marussia would continue to operate but the team were forced to withdraw from this weekend's race in Austin, Texas and are also expected to miss the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The races in Texas and Sao Paulo are back-to-back and the cars will be transported direct from the US to Brazil before returning to Europe.
And Surtees, who is still the only man to win world championships on four and two wheels, believes Reigate-based Chilton may struggle to find another team if Marussia do not race next year.

"I think Max's only hope would be Marussia," Surtees said. "I understand, but for what reason I don't know, that Marussia's Russian backer isn't keen to continue to invest money.

"But if they weren't to race then I think Max would have problems because he hasn't put in a startling performance.

"The saddest thing is, the most important part of a season for a driver's career is the end of the season, and if Marussia don't come back for the final few races then Max won't have that chance.

"Most of the teams already know their drivers for next year now. Apart from maybe McLaren and I don't think that would be right for Max at this point in his career."

And Surtees believes a move away from Formula 1, possibly to IndyCar racing in America, might be the best option for Chilton should Marussia not find a new backer.

"There is always America," he said. "A lot of Formula 1 drivers go into the Indy racing and do quite well."

Since Marussia made their debut in 2010 they have only amassed two points, picked up in Monaco in May thanks to Jules Bianchi's ninth-place finish.
Bianchi is still fighting for his life in a Japanese hospital following his serious accident in this month's Grand Prix at Suzuka which left him with a serious brain injury.

Marussia are not the only team to miss the races with Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone confirming Caterham are in a similar situation having gone into administration themselves on Friday.

It will leave just 18 cars and nine teams competing this weekend.