Razia’s seat on the line

Luiz Razia’s place on the Formula One grid is under threat after ‘financial problems’ resulted in him missing the last test at Barcelona.

Razia joined Marussia in time for the first pre-season after purchasing the backmarker outfit’s second seat.

However, the 23-year-old’s career could be over before it even starts after his sponsors ‘did not deposit the money’ needed to secure his seat.

As a result, Razia was dropped from the team’s line-up for the second outing at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Marussia sighted a need for continuity with Max Chilton staying behind the wheel, however, Razia has confirmed there is more to the story.

“In the contract there are parties with responsibilities,” he told Folha de S.Paulo.

“We trust them but we have some conflicts.”

Asked if those ‘conflicts’ were the reason he did not test last week, Razia responded: “Exactly.

“We have done the right things, just this is out of our control.”

The Brazilian, though, believes the situation will be responded in the next “few days.”

Marussia will be in action next at the Circuit de Catalunya on Thursday for the start of the final pre-season test before heading to Melbourne for the season-opener.