The embattled Marussia Formula 1 team’s last gasp bid to be on the grid at the season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has failed.
According to a report by Sky Sports F1, negotiations between potential investors hoping to revive the recently wound up team have broken down.
It is understood talks had begun at the start of the week.
There has been no official comment from the team but regular driver Max Chilton confirmed there was an attempt to make the grid at Abu Dhabi, having missed the last two races at Brazil and America.
“Devastated for everyone involved at Marussia in the past 24 hours that the hard work trying to get to Abu Dhabi didn’t work out as we hoped,” said Chilton via Twitter.
The team is on course to finish the season in ninth position in the Constructors Championship, which would have seen them pocket £30 Million ($54.6 Million AUD) in prize money. It is not yet clear if the team will receive the funds.
Elsewhere, in the F1 paddock fellow minnows Caterham F1 are yet to announce the identity of the driver who will join Kamui Kobayashi for the team’s rebirth this weekend.
However, Lotus has confirmed that Romain Grosjean will remain at the squad next season.
The 28-year-old already had a contact fro 2015 but had been linked to a move away from the Enstone squad. Next season the team will be powered by Mercedes engines following a switch from Renault power units.
“I think we make a great combination”, said Grosjean following the announcement.
“We’ve been working together for a long time now and I certainly didn’t want to leave on a performance low like we’ve seen in 2014 as we’ve enjoyed some beautiful moments together.
“I’m very pleased, happy and proud to be part of Lotus F1 Team for next year and excited at the prospect of being powered by the Mercedes engine which has looked so strong this year.”
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