Marussia sporting director Graeme Lowdon said yesterday that the mini-break before the next grand prix will allow the whole team to regroup.

The past week has been mentally draining for the entire organisation following the accident in the Japanese grand prix that has left Jules Bianchi fighting for his life.

The fact that all within Marussia managed to get through the past weekend in Russia when their thoughts were far away was a remarkable achievement in itself.

Returning to their factory in Banbury this week will also be tough as those who have been on the road meet up again with their colleagues who remained at home.

But Lowdon feels the next two weeks — a slightly longer gap than normal at this time of year in between races — affords the team the opportunity to take stock before heading to the United States.

“When you’ve had a serious incident, whether somebody is hurt or not, it’s a major challenge,” said Lowdon.

“It’s not just an enormous challenge in itself, but an enormous mental challenge as well for everybody involved.

“It’s helpful there’s time to regroup and really get ready for the US grand prix in Austin and determine what the best thing is for us to do there.”

After running one car at the Sochi Autodrom as a mark of respect for Bianchi, Lowdon has confirmed they will return to two for the next event next weekend at the Circuit of the Americas.

That will also be out of respect for Bianchi as they are determined to protect their ninth position in the constructors’ championship.

It was Bianchi who has put Marussia in such a position by scoring the first points in the team’s history in Monaco where he was ninth.

“I would really hope the gesture (of running one car) helped both Jules and the family,” added Lowdon.

“That’s really what it was designed for, that was the intention, and we’ve done that.”