Marussia MR01

Set backs lay ahead at the Marussia factory as it was announced today that they failed their last FIA-observed crash test after passing the previous 17. The regulations state that all 18 crash tests need to be passed before any form of running takes place, which means Marussia will not be attending the forthcoming testing in Barcelona this week, setting them back important running time. It also means that the first spin of the MR01 will be at Albert Park, Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix in a few weeks time.
Joining HRT, the only other team to fail their initial (they later passed) FIA crash tests, Marussia will re-take the tests later in the week. Not a good start for a team that needs to improve this season.