Mild stomach bug sidelines Bianchi

Marussia driver Jules Bianchi is hopeful he will be back on form on Saturday after he had to pull out of second practice for the German Grand Prix due to illness.

The Frenchman had already missed the morning session at the Nurburgring, as reserve driver Rodolfo Gonzalez was down to run in the #22 MR02.

However, while he took over the car in the afternoon for FP2, he only did 10 laps, as he is still recovering from 'a mild stomach upset' and after two runs it was clear he was not yet back to full strength. The Marussia team thus decided to curtail his session to allow him to rest in order to be fully fit for business end of the weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

"Today was a very short day for me, which is unfortunate. It was already scheduled some time ago that Rodolfo would drive in FP1 and as things turned out that enabled me to rest and hopefully feel better," Bianchi commented.

"This afternoon I completed two runs in FP2 - 10 laps in total - but I was not feeling my best, so it was better to stop and properly recuperate. I hope after a good night's sleep I will be back on form tomorrow."

Reflecting on the team's day overall, Marussia boss, John Booth, added: "We've had a slightly unusual Friday with Rodolfo in the car this morning as part of his programme of FP1 sessions and the expected transition back to Jules this afternoon being rather short-lived.

"Rodolfo worked through a programme of aero and set-up evaluations and did a very solid job considering his running was very stilted from lap to lap. This afternoon Jules took over his car again but he was only able to complete 10 laps. He is recovering from a mild stomach bug and gave FP2 his best shot, but it was quite clear that he was not up to full strength and it was best to let him rest a little more. We hope to see him back on form tomorrow.

"On a positive note though, Max [Chilton] has worked very methodically through the day to provide the baseline data we need to progress during the rest of the weekend. He has done a good job and seems comfortable with the car here."