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Manor to mark Suzuka return 'in private' in F1 Japanese Grand Prix

The Manor Formula 1 team will handle the emotions of returning to the scene of Jules Bianchi's Japanese Grand Prix crash in a "very private way", says John Booth

Bianchi died in July this year, nine months after sustaining severe head injuries in an accident at Suzuka while driving for the then-Marussia team.

Manor's Graeme Lowdon on the emotions of Suzuka return

"We were Jules' team, and with that in mind I would ask everyone to understand and respect that, this weekend, we wish to deal with the experience of returning to Suzuka in a very private way," said Booth ahead of this weekend's Japanese race.

"Our commitments will reflect this.

"It is my job to provide the team with the right environment in which to be able to do their job in spite of very difficult circumstances.

"This will be my primary focus."

Booth said the weekend would be "different" to Monaco, the first anniversary of Bianchi's breakthrough points finish for the team, and Hungary, the first race after his death.

"It will also be a different emotional experience again from Monaco, a place full of so many special memories for our team, and Hungary, where we all had to say a very difficult goodbye to a greatly-loved friend and colleague," he added.

"We think of Jules every single day; he will forever be a huge part of our team.

"Without doubt, our memories are overwhelmingly happy ones, celebrating his incredible achievements in our race cars and the enjoyable times we shared along the way.

"Jules' funeral reminded us that he was a special gift to so many people, not least of all the magnificent Bianchi family, who are always in our thoughts and prayers.

"Jules has not only been constantly in our thoughts since that terrible day in 2014, but his name has also been on our car at every single race.

"That tribute, our incredibly fond memories of Jules and the camaraderie we have within our team are all we need to race on in his honour in Suzuka this weekend."

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