Russian GP: Marussia enters one car for Chilton after Bianchi crash

Following Bianchi's horrific accident at the Japanese GP, which has left him in a critical condition in hospital, Marussia had been weighing up what to do about its second car for this weekend's Sochi F1 race.

Despite building up a new chassis, and nominating reserve driver Alexander Rossi as a potential race entrant, following consultation with Bianchi's family it has elected to run only Max Chilton in Russia.

A statement issued by Marussia said: "The team have written to the stewards of the meeting to inform them that they have withdrawn their second car.

"Notwithstanding the presence in Sochi of Alexander Rossi, the nominated Official reserve driver for the 2014 Russian Grand Prix, the team feels strongly that fielding a single car, that of driver #4, Max Chilton, is the appropriate course of action under the difficult circumstances of the weekend."

The second car will remain in the Marussia garage through the weekend with Bianchi's numbers.

Chilton admitted that Marussia faced a tough weekend in Russia.

"I don't know how to put into words how truly devastated I am by what has happened to Jules," he said.

"The support from the F1 family has been incredible and all we can do is be there to support Jules' family at this difficult time.

"It is going to be a very emotional weekend for the whole team, but we will try to get through it and keep praying for Jules."