• Marussia

Chilton voluntarily relinquished Marussia seat

ESPN Staff
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Max Chilton says he voluntarily gave up his Belgian Grand Prix race seat to Alexander Rossi to help Marussia raise funds but expects to be driving again in Italy.

In a surprise announcement on Thursday afternoon Marussia confirmed Rossi would make his debut in Spa-Francorchamps "while contractual issues are resolved" with Chilton. In a statement released by Chilton's PR company, the Brit stated Marussia is short of funds and he allowed Rossi to step in so he could pay for the seat.

"Max Chilton has volunteered to step out of his race seat for this weekend's race in Spa, Belgium, to allow the team to attract much needed funds by selling his seat," the statement said. "Max will attend the race and be on hand to support the team in any way possible."

The statement also said Chilton fully expects to be back in the car for the Italian Grand Prix on September 7.

"Marussia are currently in talks with several new investors and it is expected the situation will be resolved before the next race in the F1 calendar in Monza."

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