Lowdon denies financial issues at Marussia
As more and more Formula One teams appear to run out of money towards the end of the season, Marussia team principal Graeme Lowdon has denied Marussia is in imminent trouble.
Over the course of the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, rumours arose that Marussia had had trouble to make it onto the grid at the Italian Grand Prix two weeks earlier. The team's principal however clearly denied any such suggestion, underlining the team has all finances in place to complete at least the current season.
"We have an obligation to trade correctly, and if you don't reasonably believe you can do that, you have to stop", Lowden said when talking to sportinglife.
"Is it plain sailing, navigating a company through an industry that has the cost structure of Formula One? No. But if we didn't think we could be here, then we wouldn't be here.
"You don't want to give the wrong impression by glibly saying 'yes, we're fine' because it's always a challenge operating businesses in this environment. I can say that, yes, we have the funds for this season. If we didn't, we shouldn't be here."
Looking a bit further ahead, Lowdon also said he is working has to make sure the team will still be competing in Formula One in 2015, despite recent claims of an 8 team grid next year.
"Nobody can state unequivocally they will be racing next season. Not a single person in this pit lane can do that," said Lowdon.
"Look at Honda, Toyota and BMW who all pulled out at the drop of a hat. They were companies who had finances to be in this sport, but chose not to. If it makes sense then people will be there, as simple as that.
"The people involved in Formula One are not crazy. We see long-term value in what we are trying to do, what we are trying to build. Obviously there are plenty of easier things in the world to do, and there are certainly easier ways to make money, that's absolutely for sure.
"But we believe in the long-term value of Formula One. We've said this a number of times, the biggest asset of Formula One has to be its fanbase. It's enormous, unique, and is incredibly valuable, so that itself is sufficient for a team like us to build for the long term."
Lowdon mentioned work is well underway for the 2015 car, saying the team is "happy with the progress". He closed up by agreeing times are tough, but "we're still here, still on the grid, still fighting, and at this stage we're doing everything to be on the grid in 2015."
