New Marussia car fails crash test

Formula One team Marussia are struggling to be ready for this year's world championship after failing the most recent crash test from the sport's governing body.

The team, who were known as Virgin Racing last season, confirmed that its latest model, the MR01, failed one of the 18 FIA crash tests and so has pulled out of this week's final pre-season test in Barcelona.

A team statement read: "Marussia is disappointed to confirm that the planned first test of its 2012 race car, the MR01, has been delayed as a consequence of not passing the final FIA crash test.

"The team will now not take part in the final pre-season test in Barcelona later this week, and will instead focus its efforts on repeating the crash test at the end of the week."

The Banbury-based team will now look to remedy the situation and make the car ready in time to line up on the grid at Albert Park when the season begins in Australia on March 18.