Formula 1

Manor F1 Team to ‘Race on for Jules’

2 Mins read

The Manor F1 Team have revealed their sadness at the loss of their former driver Jules Bianchi after the popular French driver lost his fight for his life overnight after nine months in a coma following his Japanese Grand Prix crash last year.

Bianchi suffered a diffuse axonal injury after his horror crash into a recovery vehicle during the race last October, with the then Marussia driver being taken to a Japanese hospital before being transferred to a Nice hospital to continue his recover near his family that ultimately ended with the sad news of his passing.

Bianchi secured the Marussia team’s first and only points finish back in Monaco in 2014, when he drove superbly to finish ninth, ultimately giving the Manor team the motivation to rise from the ashes of Marussia after they went into administration at the end of last season.

Current Manor F1 Team Principle John Booth revealed the team are now having to come to terms with the loss of Bianchi, but announced the Manor team will race on as a tribute for Jules.

“Words cannot describe the enormous sadness within our team this morning, as we come to terms with losing Jules,” said Booth.

“He has left an indelible mark on all our lives, and will forever be part of everything we have achieved, and everything we will strive for going forward.

“Jules was a shining talent. He was destined for great things in our sport; success he so richly deserved. He was also a magnificent human being, making a lasting impression on countless people all over the world. They recognised, as did we, that at the same time as being a fiercely motivated racer, he was also an extremely warm, humble and intensely likeable person, who lit up our garage and our lives.

“We are incredibly grateful that we were able to provide Jules with the opportunity to show the world what he could do in a Formula 1 car. We knew we had a very special driver on our hands from the first time he drove our car in pre-season testing in 2013. It has been an honour to be able to consider him our race driver, our team-mate, and of course our friend.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the wonderful Bianchi family, who have remained so strong for Jules throughout the past nine months. In turn, Jules was an absolute credit to them.

“Finally, we would like to thank everyone who has supported Jules since his accident in Japan last October. Your kindness has been such a source of comfort to his family and to us, his team. We will rely on your continued support over the coming days and months as we race on for Jules.”

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