Marussia MR02 Hoping for Improved Year in 2013

MarussiaMaRussiaRussian Federation, 2007 > present4 models
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, CaterhamCaterhamUnited Kingdom, 1973 > present9 models
354 photos
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and HRTHispania Racing TeamSpain, 2009 > present1 model
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were the three teams last year that did not score any points in the World Constructors' Championship. With HRT gone, Marussia and Caterham will have the challenge to score at least one point. 

Marussia's new car is the MR02MaRussia MR02Russian Federation, 2013 > 20137 photos
, which is calls a comprehensive upgrade to last year's MR01MaRussia MR01Russian Federation, 2012 > 20121 photo
. The MR02 is the first from the team to be designed with a combination of computer fluid dynamics (CFD) and the wind tunnel. Previously, the team did not have access to a wind tunnel, which meant all of the parts had to be evaluated in the computer. It rented McLaren'sMcLarenUnited Kingdom, 1963 > present92 models
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wind tunnel to develop its parts. 

Aerodynamically, the MR02 has better cooling and improved rear airflow. It also has a new side pod design. The front suspension and rear suspension have also received a redesign. 

The MR02 also will be the first Marussia with KERS, which should improve passing ability. It is licensing its system from WilliamsWilliamsUnited Kingdom, 1977 > present37 models
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and is working with it to develop the system further. To integrate it into the car, Marussia also lightened the MR02 and changed the weight distribution. The car has a Coanda exhaust for 2013. 

The team has a major challenge ahead as Marussia still has not hired a second driver for 2013. So far, the team's only driver is Max Chilton. He will drive the car during all four days of pre-season testing at Jerez. 

“We are confident that the MR02 is the product of evolving elements of last year’s package whilst integrating the new KERS system. It was said many times during 2012 that, notwithstanding the impressive steps we were taking in other areas of our development, KERS - or the lack of it - was the defining factor in determining our position relative to our immediate competitors. KERS was however a ‘strategic omission’ from our package until now," said Marussia Team Principal John Booth.