Marussia has given a belated testing debut to its 2014 Formula 1 challenger, entitled the MR03.

The Banbury-based outfit had initially planned to be on-track from the beginning of this week’s Jerez test, but a technical glitch picked up during the final stages of the car’s preparation saw it fall behind schedule.

After uncovering the root cause of the issue at the factory, the team transported the Ferrari-powered car to Spain later than planned, and it ultimately completed its maiden run at around 3pm local time on Thursday.

Reflecting on the development of the car, Chief Designer John McQuilliam commented: “Through the course of 2012, we analysed every single element of the car – from the tip of the nose to the trailing edge of the rear wing – knowing just how radically different the MR03 would be under such sweeping Technical Regulations.

“We have benefitted enormously from the stability of our design teams, with the same personnel beginning – and now concluding – the process over a 24 month period. I think we can feel justifiably proud of the way we have responded to such a significant challenge and the quality of car we have arrived at with the MR03.

“The car has been manufactured and finished to a very high standard, whilst achieving our most significant weight-saving targets to date and with a crucial eye towards maintaining our excellent record of reliability.”

Max Chilton is behind the wheel of the MR03 this afternoon, with Jules Bianchi set to drive on Friday.