At 1:45am, UK time, on Saturday, Jules Bianchi’s family released a statement confirming that the young Frenchman had succumbed to the injuries suffered at last October’s Japanese Grand Prix. It was the news the whole motor-sport community, and its followers, had feared for the last nine months. Ever since the news broke, there has being an outpouring of tributes and heart-felt messages honouring and remembering the popular Nice-born racer, from the world of motor-sport and beyond. Along with these messages of condolences, there has also being suggestions on what should be done to honour Jules’ memory. With the Hungarian Grand Prix on this weekend, there are many ideas flying around on what the race organisers will do. From a minute’s silence, to a Virtual Safety Car on lap 17, the car number of which he had picked to use for his F1 career, there is a number of possibilities that can be carried out at the weekend. It has also been confirmed from the FIA, after an online petition, that the car number “17” will be retired from F1, and no longer be used in the championship. It is clear that they will be more gestures to honour Bianchi in the following weeks and months, but there is surely one thing that will be the ultimate tribute to Jules.
That will be from the Manor team itself, and their continued involvement and development in F1. The Yorkshire-based team joined the sport in 2010, with a modest budget, and have pretty much fought to stay in the sport ever since the start of their participation. Jules scored the team’s first, and to date only, points in Monaco last year. We all seen those emotional scenes of the whole team embracing Jules and each other, as finally their hard graft had paid off. Sadly, months later, and just after the horrific crash in Suzuka, the team entered administration. They were unable to take part in the last three races of the season. The team were brought over by Ulster businessman Stephen Fitzpatrick in February, and were able to compete again for the 2015 season. It became clear straight away that if it hadn’t been for Jules’ ninth place finish in Monaco, the investment in the team wouldn’t have been possible. Fitzpatrick may have been the person to perform the operation to make Manor fit again, but it was Jules in the first place that had kept their heartbeat alive. Sadly the same couldn’t have been said for the adored Frenchman. Jules lost his battle, but Manor can fight on because of him.
At the time of the Monaco Grand Prix last year, the photo of Jules surrounded by his team with the pit board stating his historic race position was iconic. If Manor can become a permanent fixture in the sport for the long term, regardless of on-track success, then that photo will be a image of his legacy, and would be the ultimate tribute to Jules.
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