Bianchi takes Razia seat at Marussia

Jules Bianchi has replaced Luiz Razia at Marussia, without the Brazilian even making his Formula One debut.

In what could prove to be the shortest ever career in Formula One, 23-years-old GP2 runner-up Luiz Razia has lost his seat at Marussia due to financial issues.

Last month the Marussia Formula One team unveiled their new 2013 car and confirmed that Razia would be replacing Timo Glock.

German driver Timo Glock left the team last month despite having a contract with the team which ran for the next couple of seasons.

But with finances the way they are in Formula One, Marussia opted to move into the pay-driver market and so rookie Razia was named as their driver for 2013.

But after a few short weeks question marks were raised over the finance that Razia could bring to the team and with the rookie embroiled in a financial dispute with the team, reports suggested that they were looking at replacement drivers.

They didn’t take long as Jules Bianchi was named as Max Chilton’s team-mate on Saturday morning following the termination of the Brazilian’s contract.

Bianchi had just missed out on the drive at Force India, after a spell as the teams reserve driver. Force India opted to go with the experience of Adrian Sutil, which left Bianchi who is a member of the Ferrari academy without a drive in 2013.

The opportunity at Marussia, looks like an ideal fit for both parties at the right time.

Bianchi is obviously at the point of wanting to make the step-up to regular racing in Formula One, while Marussia as well as wanting short term backing, also have an eye on 2014 and the engine regulation changes.

Marussia are currently powered by Cosworth, but they have already announced that they will not be supplying power-units following the regulation changes for the 2014 F1 season. That leaves Marussia shopping around for engines and a link-up with Ferrari could be very well timed!

That was certainly the view of Sky Sports pundit Ted Kravitz who said: ‘Razia not coming up with a big cheque might be the best thing that has ever happened to Marussia.

‘From what looked like a very serious situation, they’ve ended up with a pretty good deal: someone who is young, who is quick, and someone who has a bit of money and supported by Ferrari who might give Marussia an engine next year.’

Obviously there was no mention of that in the official statements following the announcements, which concentrated more on Bianchi making the step into Formula One.

‘Racing in Formula 1 this season has been my goal over the winter and after evaluating a number of options I am very excited to have this opportunity to demonstrate that I am ready for this next step in my racing career. I am also very grateful to the Ferrari Driver Academy that has always supported me and has given me the possibility to mature as a racing driver enabling me to be fully prepared for this new exciting challenge.

‘The next two weeks of preparation for the season will be incredibly busy but I am ready to get started tomorrow with my first day in the MR02.’ Bianchi said.