Sunday: Chilton happy at Marussia F1, Bianchi troubled by issues

Max Chilton (No. 4) – 16th

The Briton is happy with his race at Spa, notably because he managed to pass Marcus Ericsson’s Caterham during the race and thus finish ahead of the Marussia rival at the finish: « It’s nice to end the weekend on a positive note with 16th place, having gained three positions and finished ahead of the Caterhams. We have improved the car since Hungary and are in a good position relative to the teams around us, so this allowed us to fight this weekend. This is what is necessary now to maintain 9th place in the constructors’ championship. I am delighted with how the race went, especially after passing Ericsson right at the end. »

Jules Bianchi (No. 17) – 18th

The Frenchman was the victim of contact with Romain Grosjean, which caused a puncture and pushed him far back from the start of the race. He is therefore disappointed with his Belgian Grand Prix: « There isn’t much to say except that it was a race that wasn’t really a race. It’s clear that it’s disappointing after a really positive day yesterday, but with the puncture and retirement, those two issues were out of my control. »

But he remains satisfied with the qualities of his Marussia because it allowed him to make a good comeback in the race: « I am happy with my race, taking into account the fact that I was a bit alone, but I am pleased with the way I managed to close the gap and manage my tires at the same time, which are signs of how my race could have unfolded for me. »

However, he encountered a final problem at the end of the race, forcing him to abandon, but he hopes to bounce back in Italy in two weeks: « It’s a shame not to have been able to finish due to a gearbox issue, but I can’t afford to be too disappointed, and we will now focus on Monza because I think we are stronger. »