The Marussia F1 Team will run just a single car at the Russian Grand Prix after electing against replacing critically injured driver Jules Bianchi.

The team had registered American Alexander Rossi as an eligible driver for the Sochi race, but has now informed the FIA that it will only field Max Chilton.

Bianchi remains in intensive care after suffering a diffuse axonal brain injury when colliding with a recovery tractor at Suzuka last Sunday.

“The Marussia F1 Team will run a single car for the duration of the forthcoming grand prix weekend in Sochi, out of respect for their driver Jules Bianchi, who remains in hospital in Yokkaichi, Japan, in a critical but stable condition,” read a Marussia statement.

“The team have written to the Stewards of the Meeting to inform them that they have withdrawn their second car.

“Notwithstanding the presence in Sochi of Alexander Rossi, the nominated Official Reserve Driver for the 2014 Russian Grand Prix, the team feels strongly that fielding a single car, that of driver number 4, Max Chilton, is the appropriate course of action under the difficult circumstances of the weekend.

“Jules’ car crew have built a second car, which has been scrutineered and is ready to race, and this will remain on his side of the garage throughout the weekend.

“In support of Jules and his family, the Team and their cars will carry the familiar #JB17 graphic, to ensure that although Jules is not with them in Sochi this weekend, he is, nonetheless, racing on with the Marussia F1 Team.”

Chilton said that Sochi will be an emotional weekend for the entire Marussia team.

“I don’t know how to put into words how truly devastated I am by what has happened to Jules,” he said.

“The support from the F1 family has been incredible and all we can do is be there to support Jules’ family at this difficult time.

“It is going to be a very emotional weekend for the whole team, but we will try to get through it and keep praying for Jules.”