New Marussia passes final crash test for formula one 2012

Marussia have announced that their 2012 car has now passed all 18 of the FIA's mandatory crash tests. The MR01 failed its final observed crash test last month, which forced the team to postpone its launch and miss last week's pre-season test session at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya.

"After a challenging few weeks for the team, we are pleased to have overcome the last hurdle of the final FIA-observed crash test, which we passed today," explained Pat Symonds, Marussia's technical consultant. 


"The component in question actually passed an 'unobserved' crash test but has been performing inconsistently in the observed tests. The previous fail was only marginal so we needed to have a slightly more robust solution in place. A few minor adjustments to the original concept of the component was all that was required."

The new Marussia eventually made its on-track debut at the Silverstone circuit on Monday, ahead of two days of promotional filming. Both Timo Glock and Charles Pic are understood to have spent time behind the wheel of the MR01 at the UK track and the team were pleased with progress.

"We were all thrilled to see the new car out on track over the past two days," added Symonds. "And whilst we have a lot of catching up to do, we take heart from the fact that everything is back on a more positive trajectory."

Marussia will now continue their preparations back at base ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, which gets underway in Melbourne on March 16.