No Marussia name change after ownership split

Marussia is not planning to change its name, despite the Formula 1 team no longer being owned by the Russian supercar maker.

It emerged two weeks ago that the British-based team has split with Murussia Motors, who according to Russian reports is shedding staff and no longer making supercars.

A team spokeswoman had explained that the team is now owned by another company within the Marussia group, Marussia Communications Limited.

But Marussia Formula 1 Team's sporting boss Graeme Lowdon insists the ownership split will have little impact.

"Contrary to some reports we've never been owned by the car company," he told Press Association.

"We've a common shareholder in Andrey Cheglakov, a shareholder in the car company and a major shareholder in the Formula 1 team.

"Although there is obviously a marketing link, beyond that there is no direct impact on us at all," Lowdon said.

"Financially we're fine, or as much as a Formula 1 team can be!" he added.

Lowdon also said that Marussia are not planning to change their name.

"The whole Marussia concept goes beyond a car business, and we've not had any approach from Andrey to suggest otherwise at present," he said.

"So it's business as usual." (GMM)

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