Marussia F1 team believes its progress is genuine after Monaco GP

Jules Bianchi starred around the streets of Monte Carlo to take ninth place and earn Marussia its first points since it entered F1 at the start of 2010 (as Virgin).

But although a number of front-running retirements helped it in Monaco, the team has also made big progress with its car since the Spanish Grand Prix, which has lifted confidence for the future.

And it is that progress, rather than the points, that has been the reason for the biggest celebration at Marussia.

Sporting director Graeme Lowdon told AUTOSPORT: "I think that progress is probably why we are really pleased.

"We did a load of really good work in Spain and we learned a lot about the car. I think we have made this car quicker and that is a great feeling really.

"Whether we can have another shot in Canada is another question, because Montreal is quite unique and we don't have the resources for a Canada only car, but I am confident that we are moving forward."

Bianchi thinks that Marussia now has the potential to take the fight to Sauber, which has been struggling this season.

"I don't want to say that we are able to score points every race because it's not real," explained the Frenchman. "I would say that now we are able to fight with Sauber.

"I think we are really close to them. We have to keep working and improving and see if we can beat them."