Marussia sporting director Graeme Lowdon is adamant the team has the funds to see out the season and are doing all they can to ensure they will be on the grid in 2015.

Speculation emerged over the course of the Singapore GP that due to financial difficulties the Banbury-based marque almost failed to make it onto the grid at the previous race in Italy.

That is a rumour Lowdon vehemently denies, and whilst conceding times are hard, they are nowhere near as black a picture as being painted by some.

Lowdon said: “We have an obligation to trade correctly, and if you don’t reasonably believe you can do that, you have to stop. As simple as that.

“Is it plain sailing, navigating a company through an industry that has the cost structure of Formula One? No.

“But if we didn’t think we could be here, then we wouldn’t be here.

“You don’t want to give the wrong impression by glibly saying ‘yes, we’re fine’ because it’s always a challenge operating businesses in this environment.

“I can say that, yes, we have the funds for this season.If we didn’t, we shouldn’t be here.”

Marussia have been linked to Lawrence Stroll, the Canadian fashion industry billionaire who is understood to have spoken with Sauber with regard to investment, only for talks to falter.