Razia, who finished runner-up in last year's GP2 championship, was initialliy one of the main candidates to join Timo Glock at Marussia. After Max Chilton was confirmed as the team's second driver Razia's chances seemed to be over, but Timo Glock's sudden departure opened up a new door for the Brazilian to join F1 in the upcoming season.
Having been Marussia's Reserve driver in 2010, Razia is happy to be reacquainted with the Anglo-Russian team. “It is fantastic to be back with the Marussia F1 Team and with pretty much the same group of people I worked with back in 2010 when I was Reserve Driver," Razia said. "Having been in that position, I know this team rewards determination and success in its young drivers, the intention of its programme being to school the next generation of racing driver. I am very proud to take the step up to a Formula 1 race seat, particularly with the team I began this journey with, since they helped show me what it takes to progress to the highest level."
"The past two seasons in GP2 have been all about proving that I have what it takes and that I’m ready. This coming season will be all about rewarding the faith the team has shown in me. I am looking forward to beginning that process in Jerez where we are testing the MR02 for the first time. I am also looking forward to the first race in Melbourne and I’m excited to be racing alongside Max, who I competed against last season. This is an important year for the Marussia F1 team in terms of maintaining the momentum from a very positive 2012 season. I look forward to making a valuable contribution to that."
Luiz has 9 laps under his belt as we recommence our familiarisation programme with the #MR02 and start to conduct some testing items
— Marussia F1 Team (@Marussia_F1Team) 6 februari 2013
Okay. Go Razia! twitter.com/Marussia_F1Tea…
— Marussia F1 Team (@Marussia_F1Team) 6 februari 2013
There he goes! twitter.com/Marussia_F1Tea…
— Marussia F1 Team (@Marussia_F1Team) 6 februari 2013
