Photo: Zak Mauger/GP3 Series Media Service
The Marussia Manor Racing GP3 squad will miss this weekend’s round in Sochi.
A statement released by the Russian-owned parent Marussia F1 outfit cited ‘commercial reasons’ for the withdrawal from GP3’s first ever trip to the country.
Dean Stoneman has claimed three victories this season for the team (including at the two most recent rounds at Spa and Monza), which also runs Patrick Kujala and Ryan Cullen.
The statement praised the efforts of the Manor staff that run the team and the three drivers, and thanked GP3 organisers for their support.
It continued: “A decision regarding the team?s ability to participate in the final round of the GP3 Series in Abu Dhabi next month will be taken in due course.
“Marussia Manor Racing GP3 would like to make clear that its non-participation in the Sochi event is for purely commercial reasons and these have not been influenced in any way by events at last weekend?s Formula One race in Suzuka. The team?s GP3 freight deadline was last Thursday, 2 October.”