After the highs of Monte Carlo where Marussia finally secured their first ever points in Formula 1, the team were brought crashing back to reality as Jules Bianchi and Max Chilton collided on the opening lap in Montreal that caused both to retire with extensive damage to their cars.
Both drivers believed the other was in the wrong, but ultimately it was Chilton who took the brunt of the blame and a three-place grid-drop penalty for the next round in Austria. Both drivers are keen to move on from the incident.
“A disappointing end to a really promising weekend,” said Chilton. “The incident between myself and Jules obviously ended not only our own races but also the Team’s, so it’s sad for all the guys after making such progress again.
“I had a good start, pulled away from the cars behind into Turn 1, queued into Turn 2, then we had a coming together into Turn 3. The resulting accident was very unfortunate for us both and after a race to remember in Monaco, perhaps a race to forget here in Canada, but the one thing we’ll keep hold of is how well the car is developing, so my thanks to all the Team.”
Team-mate Bianchi took the majority of the damage when he was pitched into the concrete wall at the exit of turn four by Chilton. The Frenchman felt a good result was possible but was disappointed by his early retirement.
“I got a great start, kept everyone who was behind me behind and then obviously Max and I were racing each other through Turns 2 and 3,” said Bianchi. “I braked into Turn 3 and there was an impact, after which I ended up in the wall with a badly damaged car.
“I am disappointed for the whole Team because once again we had a strong weekend and it was a race that held so much promise for us, both in terms of the car we had and also how the race ultimately panned out today. Now we have to move on and give the Team a better reward from Austria.”
Team Principal John Booth felt the team had a possibility of a strong race on Sunday but was obviously extremely disappointed by the opening lap collision between his two drivers. He knows how busy the team will be in the next couple of weeks leading into Austria with both cars in need of rebuilding.
“A very tough day for the Team but one we will move on from very quickly,” said Booth. “The accident at Turns 3 and 4 ruined both drivers’ races and, more significantly, the Team result.
“This can often be a race where opportunity can present itself, so it was key that we had both drivers running and taking part. The story of the wider race today was indeed one of attrition, but in the end the results have not affected our standings in the Constructors Championship and for that we can at least be grateful and happy to leave Montreal still holding P9 in those standings.
“Next week will be a very busy time for the Team back at base, where we’ll regroup and sort through the damage sustained. The race team are also looking at a very busy end to the week this evening. We’re a strong unit so I’m sure we will all pull together and focus on what we need to do for Austria in two weeks’ time.”
