Marussia has finally passed all of the crash tests with MR01 enabling it to compete in the first race of the 2012 season.

13725 - Marussia passes final crash test

After the launch of the new car was delayed the team missed the final pre-season test because it had failed the final FIA crash test, with new rules stating that the chassis must be homologated before it could take to the track in the official sessions. Technical consultant Pat Symonds confirmed that the team had now passed all crash tests and that it was only a small change that had been required in order to do so.

"After a challenging few weeks for the team, we are pleased to have overcome the last hurdle of the final FIA-observed crash test, which we passed today," Symonds said. "The component in question actually passed an 'unobserved' crash test but has been performing inconsistently in the observed tests. The previous fail was only marginal so we needed to have a slightly more robust solution in place. A few minor adjustments to the original concept of the component was all that was required."

With the team carrying out a filming day at Silverstone on Monday to shakedown the MR01, Symonds said it was good to finally see things moving forward.

"We were all thrilled to see the new car out on track over the past two days and whilst we have a lot of catching up to do, we take heart from the fact that everything is back on a more positive trajectory. We now look forward to the challenge of the season-opener in Melbourne next weekend."