Russian Marussia sports car unveiled in the UK

Russia’s Marussia Motors company and its CEO Nikolai Fomenko have unveiled the first Russian sports car at the British Racing Drivers' Club at the Silverstone Circuit. The car competed against a vehicle of the Virgin Racing team there.

Nikolai Fomenko, who has gained a reputation as a musician, showman and car racer, presented two sports-car models, scheduled to be mass-produced already this spring.

Marussia B1 and B2 versions with different bodies were displayed. Each car will cost approximately 100,000 euros.

When asked by journalists and guests, Fomenko displayed the potential of the new cars at the presentation ceremony. About a thousand Marussia vehicles have been ordered to date in Russia and abroad.

The guests were shown a “brutal” black B2 version at the presentation.

Front view of the Marussia B2.

Rear view of the Marussia B2.

A stylish black and orange Marussia B1.

Marussia is a traditional Russian women’s name. It also contains the English word Russia denoting the country of origin.

The cars were developed using Russian know-how and technology, including cockpit equipment.

Virgin Racing drivers Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi posed for a photo with Fomenko inside one of the team’s race cars. Under a three-year contract, signed by Virgin Racing and Marussia Motors in December 2009, the Russian company undertakes to deliver software for engine control systems of Virgin Racing vehicles.

Fomenko expressed hope that young Russian racing drivers would appear at Silverstone and other Formula 1 circuits in the near future, and that they would vie against other world-class drivers.

Fomenko himself drove the car in order to demonstrate Marussia’s potential at the Silverstone Circuit, a symbolic venue for British and global auto sports.

Fomenko expressed hope that young Russian racing drivers would appear at Silverstone and other Formula 1 circuits in the near future, and that they would vie against other world-class drivers.

The Silverstone Circuit, where Marussia was unveiled, hosts the annual
Formula 1 British Grand Prix events.