Marussia 2014 car bid was speculative and supporting documentation lacked substance

(Sahara Force India Formula One Team)

The Sahara Force India Formula One Team have defended their decision to block the Manor F1 Team’s bid to race in Formula One this season with last year’s car.

It emerged last night that the Silverstone based outfit had put the brakes on the Manor F1 Team’s return to the sport. Force India have categorically denied their decision to block Manor’s return had anything to do with money but as far as the team were concerned Manor’s entry lacked substance.

Sahara Force India Deputy Team Principal Robert Fernley also confirmed that the application lacked supporting documentation that would have enabled Manor to reinforce their bid to race with last year’s cars. 

The meeting in Paris came on the same day that administrators Smith and Williamson confirmed that the remaining assets belonging to the Caterham F1 Team will be sold off at auction over the coming months ending all hope that the team would make a return to Formula One.

Bob Fernley stated that it was decided that it was in the best interests of the sport in the teams opinion that they concentrate on ensuring the survival of the remaining teams on the grid.

The Manor F1 Team could theoretically return to Formula One in 2015 as they are allowed to miss three Grand Prix allowing them extra time to build a 2015 compliment car. 

This scenario, although somewhat unlikely would enable the team to keep their prize money from last season. If the team were to miss the first three race’s they would be able to start the season in Bahrain in April however the team would need substantial investment in order for this to work.

© Ben Johnston 2015