Marussia passed fit for Australian Grand Prix

Russian team Marussia was given the green light on Tuesday to compete in the opening Formula One race of the season, the Australian Grand Prix on March 18, after finally passing the crash-test.

The Marussia car powered by a Cosworth engine - formerly the Virgin team - passed the final one of the 18 criteria laid down by the International Automobile Federation for all teams after a session at Silverstone on Monday in front of a FIA observer.

Marussia had withdrawn from the final practice sessions in Barcelona last week because of a problem with the car.

Their two drivers for the season are German veteran Timo Glock and French rookie Charles Pic.