No name change after ownership split - Marussia

Apr.23 (GMM) Marussia is not planning to change its name, even though the F1 team is no longer owned by the Russian supercar maker.

It emerged two weeks ago that the British-based team has split with Murussia Motors, who according to Russian reports is shedding staff and no longer making supercars.

A team spokeswoman had explained that the team is now owned by another company with a Marussia-themed name, Marussia Communications Limited.

But Marussia F1 Team's sporting boss Graeme Lowdon insists the ownership split will have little impact.

"Contrary to some reports we've never been owned by the car company," he told Press Association.

"We've a common shareholder in Andrey Cheglakov, a shareholder in the car company and a major shareholder in the F1 team.

"Although there is obviously a marketing link, beyond that there is no direct impact on us at all," Lowdon said.

"Financially we're fine, or as much as a formula one team can be!" he added.

Lowdon also said Marussia is not planning to change its name.

"The whole Marussia concept goes beyond a car business, and we've not had any approach from Andrey to suggest otherwise at present," he said.

"So it's business as usual."