Marussia finally launches their 2012 car
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(GMM) Marussia's 2012 car made its track debut on Monday, despite having failed to pass all the mandatory FIA crash tests. But because the action at Silverstone is the team's 'filming and promotional' pre-season running, rather than an official test, it was allowed by the governing body and rival teams.
Designed by former Renault man Pat Symonds, the MR01 – fitted on Monday with demonstration Pirelli tires – does not feature a 'step nose', uniquely in common with technical partner McLaren's 2012 solution.
"It has been a long and frustrating wait for everyone in the team but we can now get back on track and start working towards the first race of the season in Australia next weekend," said team boss John Booth.
The car must now pass the missing FIA crash test before Melbourne, and Symonds sounds hopeful. "The component in question has actually passed an 'unobserved' crash test but has been performing inconsistently in the observed tests," he is quoted by Reuters. Also for a filming day, HRT's 2012 car is making its debut on Monday, at the Circuit de Catalunya.
03/05/12 Marussia has unveiled its new MR01 Formula 1 car at Silverstone on Monday.
The team is running the car for the first time at the British track after it had failed the mandatory crash tests last week and before that as well and was therefore unable to join its rival in Barcelona for the final test.
"We are very pleased to be running the new MR01 for the first time this morning," said team boss John Booth. "It has been a long and frustrating wait for everyone in the team but we can now get back on track – literally – and start working towards the first race of the season in Australia next weekend.
"Today is the first of two promotional events, so while the drivers will be able to get a feel for the car, they won't be able to draw any real conclusions until we start running in anger in Melbourne. Nevertheless, this is an important day for us and we'll enjoy every minute on track with the new car."
The Cosworth-powered car has been designed by a team lead by technical consultant Pat Symonds.
Marussia said Timo Glock and Charles Pic will share driving duties at Silverstone today and tomorrow.