Marussia’s climb back from the brink of Formula One extinction gained momentum yesterday when they were included on the official 2015 entry list, subject to conditions.

There was no such salvation for tail-end rivals Caterham, founded by Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, who have failed to find a buyer and whose cars and equipment will be auctioned off next month.

Both British-based teams went into administration in October, overwhelmed by debt, but had appeared on the previous entry list issued in December.

Marussia always had an advantage in the fight for survival, however, because they are in line for significant payments as a result of finishing ninth last year while Caterham scored no points and were 11th.