As Formula One prepares for its inaugural race in Russia, the thoughts of the paddock remain with Marussia driver Jules Bianchi, who is in a critical condition in hospital following his accident at the Japanese Grand Prix last Sunday. Marussia has readied two cars for this weekend’s race and the FIA entry list names reserve driver Alexander Rossi as Max Chilton’s team-mate for the weekend.

However, the team is leaving its options open to run one car and could even withdraw from the event entirely, with the wishes of the Bianchi family central to its decision.

Under Formula One’s regulations, the team had to submit a driver for each car on the entry list in order to be eligible to race. Naming Rossi gives it the option to run a second car if it believes that is the right thing to do, although Bernie Ecclestone has agreed that it would not face any repercussions if it opts to run one or no cars in the event.