Marussia aiming to race in Melbourne; sign Stevens for 2015

Marussia are hoping to be on the grid for the 2015 season-opener in Australia, and have announced Will Stevens as their first driver.

The team say their car is in an "advanced stage of build", and are aiming to have it ready in time for it to be transported to Melbourne.

Stevens, who served as Marussia's test and reserve driver at the tail-end of the 2014 season before making his Formula One racing debut with Caterham at last year's finale in Abu Dhabi, said he is enthusiastic about the team's prospects.

"It's very exciting to see everything coming together after the tremendous effort that has gone into saving the team," he said.

"It would not have been possible without the incredible support we have received from all the suppliers and from within the sport, but most of all the fantastic team of people who are working around the clock to ensure we are ready for Melbourne. My thanks to the team for their confidence in me and I can't wait to see all the hard work rewarded when we line up on the grid in two weeks' time."

Marussia hit financial difficulties during the 2014 season, missing the final three races of the year.