Alexander Rossi has been confirmed a few hours before starting the weekend at Spa-Francorchamps as new pilot of Marussia holder for this race. After one month entering the orbit of the Anglo-Russian team, will supply Max Chilton in this Belgium GP.
Alexander Rossi has become the center of attention in this Thursday afternoon at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The American rider has been confirmed by the Marussia team to take the seat of Max Chilton during this weekend. So, Rossi made his official debut in Formula 1 at age 22 years old, after starting the season with Caterham in GP2, where he spent the last years as third driver and only opportunity to shoot some Fridays in 2012 and 2013.
Rossi, very happy with this news, said to be very grateful to his new team for the opportunity to give you this weekend: “It goes without saying that I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to race in Formula 1 for the first time and I cannot thank the Marussia F1 Team for the faith they are demonstrating in me. It’s a very big moment for me and there’s a lot to prepare in a short space of time, but on the other hand I have felt ready for this for quite a while now. It is also exciting to be given this opportunity at such a fantastic and historical circuit as Spa-Francorchamps. I can’t wait to drive the MR03 from tomorrow and I hope to reward the team with a solid race weekend.”
On the other hand, feel from the Marussia address pretty confident with the talent of the American pilot, so said John Bloth, Marussia team leader: “Although it was not our intention to offer Alexander the possibility to race this season, in light of the circumstances we are pleased to be providing him with the opportunity to make his Grand Prix debut at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Franchorchamps. Naturally we hope to resume normal service with respect to our established race driver line-up as soon as possible, but for now we wish Alexander well for the weekend ahead and we look forward to seeing him in action.”
Regarding requiring the pilot’s seat lowered MR03, Max Chilton in a statement the British pilot explained the reasons for this so sudden and unexpected change: “Max Chilton has volunteered to leave his post for the race this weekend at Spa, to allow the team to attract the necessary funds through the sale of his seat. Max attend the race and will be helping to support the team as much as possible. Marussia are currently in talks with several new investors and hoped that the situation is resolved before the next race in the F1 calendar in Monza.“