Determined, Luiz Razia downplays his ousting from Marussia
Dropped by Marussia due to the inability to secure financial backing, Luiz Razia admits to being in shock even though he understands the decision of the Anglo-Russian team and believes that Jules Bianchi deserves his place. The Brazilian is, however, determined to realize his dream, which he briefly touched for a few weeks: racing in Formula 1.
Granted a regular seat on the eve of the Jerez tests, Luiz Razia had been notable for his absence since the F1 circus arrived at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. As the days went by, the Brazilian’s time with Marussia seemed increasingly limited. Due to not receiving all the expected financial support, Luiz Razia found himself ousted by Marussia, who ultimately preferred Jules Bianchi: « We found ourselves in a situation where we had to terminate Luiz Razia’s contract. Having clearly laid out the foundations on which we should operate in 2013, and given the steps we took to establish this structure, we had no alternative but to remain true to the principles we identified as crucial for securing our long-term future. »
Thus deprived of a seat, Luiz Razia admits to being a little shocked: You expect to be in Formula 1, you’re there, it’s announced, you do tests and then you’re dismissed… and not due to the driver’s fault, reacts the Brazilian in the pages of Autosport. My career is not over and I can overcome this difficult situation. It’s just something that happened to me: it happens in life. My main goal is to be in Formula 1, so I’m putting all my efforts into it. I’m going to join my family, we’ll be sad for a while, but I will return [to Formula 1]. I was there two weeks ago and I didn’t think I wouldn’t participate in this season, the native of Barreiras reflects.
Far from holding it against Marussia for his eviction, Luiz Razia shows that he has the qualities of the greatest champions, gracious in victory and dignified in the face of failures: « I could be angry. I could be very selfish, but I’m not. I am very tolerant about these things. I understand Marussia’s position and I like the team. I was treated with great kindness there and, to be honest, they tried to solve the situation for me. They initially chose me because they wanted me, so I hold no grudge. It’s also fair to say that Bianchi has faced a tough situation and, to be frank, he deserves his seat. »
From now on, the Brazilian is turning towards the future and hopes to seize the next opportunity that presents itself to him to play a role in 2013: « I need to find myself in a situation where I will feel competitive, where I can overcome this and get back in the car as quickly as possible. I will see what is best for me and I will gather everything I need to be in Formula 1. For now, I just need to think. »
