Marussia retain Jules Bianchi for 2014

Marussia have retained Jules Bianchi for a second season after the Frenchman delivered a string of impressive performances in his debut year.

The 24-year-old joined the team only a few weeks ahead of the new season, as a replacement for Luiz Razia, and as a result only had two days of pre-season testing.

But he has consistently outperformed team-mate Max Chilton – who is still in negotiations with the team about his seat next year.

Bianchi, who is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, had been linked with a number of teams but decided to stay put with Marussia, who will use Ferrari engines next season.

The Frenchman’s best finish of the season is 13^th, which he achieved in his second race in Malaysia. That result crucially puts Marussia ahead of Caterham in the constructors’ championship in 10^th.

"I couldn't have wished for a more supportive environment in which to make my F1 debut and from the very beginning I have always felt completely at home with the team,” said Bianchi.

"We started the season well and while the challenge has increased as the season has developed, we have learned important lessons together that will place us in a much stronger position next year."

Team principal John Booth added: "Jules joined us at very short notice at the end of pre-season testing, with only two days of running under his belt. He rose to the challenge of his debut season exceptionally well and since that time has clearly demonstrated his ability and potential.”

With regards the second seat at the team, Booth said that “consistency of line-up will be important in helping is to navigate the transition” when the sport goes through major rule changes, including a switch to turbocharged V6 engines, and that the team would confirm their full line-up for 2014 “later in the season”.