This weekend, Formula 1 returns to what many consider to be the jewel in its crown, Monaco. It is a race known for surprises and unexpected results, such as in 1996 when Olivier Panis took an incredible win for the Ligier team, where there were only 6 classified finishers. However this year marks the one year anniversary of one of the most joyous and unexpected results in Monaco. Last years race is largely remembered for the breaking down in the relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, after Rosberg's controversial pole position in qualifying. However it is the 9th place finish of a Frenchmen driving for one of the plucky little teams that normally resides at the back of the grid, that the race is best remembered.
The Marussia team had yet to score a point in its entire five year existence in Formula 1. The big change in regulations in 2014 brought some hope that the team might be able to break its points duck. However, the MR03 was still a rear of the grid car when the season started in Melbourne. They were, however, quicker than Caterham and their CT05. At the test after the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Chilton ended the first day in P1. Of course, testing times are irrelevant but it showed the team were making progress, and it was clear to see at Monaco.
Jules Bianchi qualified his Marussia for the Monaco Grand Prix in 19th place, but a five place penalty for a new gearbox mean he started at the back of the grid. But during the race, Bianchi started to progress through the field. He pulled off a great wheel-banging move on Kaumi Kobyashi's Caterham into Rascasse, barging into the Caterham no less than three times. It was an aggressive move but it got him into 12th place.
As other cars ahead faltered, Bianchi steadily rose up the field and was soon into 10th place. Marussia were on for their first points in Formula 1. But then Bianchi received a five second stop-go penalty, for taking a previous penalty under the safety car. The original penalty was another five second stop-go for being out of position at the start of the race, caused by Pastor Maldonado stalling on the grid. Bianchi would be out of the points, as Romain Grosjean was less then five seconds behind him. But then, Kimi Raikkonen, recovering in his Ferrari from an earlier puncture, dived down the inside of McLaren's Kevin Magnussen at the hairpin and caused both to get stuck. Bianchi was now in 8th, and the penalty would now only drop him to 9th!
Bianchi crossed the line in 8th place, the penalty dropped him behind Grosjean into 9th place. Marussia had done it and scored their first ever Formula 1 World Championship points. It had been deemed an impossible task by many people, who had all but written off Marussia, Caterham and, before their disappearance in 2012, HRT. Yes, the rivalry between Rosberg and Hamilton had been gripping, but so to was the milestone achieved by Marussia, a plucky little race team who always kept believing that they could do it.
Jules tragic accident at Suzuka later in the year, and the teams eventual entry into administration after the Russian Grand Prix provided a horrible end to a season that had been up to that point, been filled with joy and hope for the following season. But, the team did not die, and those points that Jules Bianchi earned in Monaco did not go to waste.
The points scored in Monaco were enough to convince OVO Energy founder Steven Fitzpatrick to save the team, with them being reborn as the Manor Marussia F1 Team. Monaco will be a very emotional weekend for the team, remembering the points they scored last year, as well as the tragic events at Suzuka that befell Jules Bianchi. Lets hope that Manor have the weekend they deserve, and get a strong result for Jules. Until next time folks. Ciao.
#ForzaJules
All pictures copyright of the Manor Marussia F1 Team
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