Marussia have been forced to delay the debut of their 2014 car at Jerez

Marussia have already sent staff to Jerez

The team had planned to run the MR03 on all four days of the first pre-season test in Jerez as they adjust to a complete revamp of the technical regulations and a switch to Ferrari power.

"The #MR03's testing debut is subject to a delay while we resolve a small but frustrating technical issue," the team confirmed via Twitter.

"The aim is to solve the issue as quickly as possible and send the car on its way. We're all set up here in Jerez ready & waiting for it."

As recently as last week the team had tweeted their intentions to run in Southern Spain and earlier this month Sporting Director Graeme Lowdon stressed to Sky Sports Online the importance of taking part in each of the three winter tests ahead of the new season, which begins in Australia on March 16.

"Every team is working towards that, testing time in Formula 1 is incredibly limited, so if it is there and you can use it, you want to use it," he said.

"That said there are a thousand tiny components that can stop you or slow you. But hopefully we will be there, that is certainly what we are planning for."

A team spokesperson declined to comment on the exact issue which has prevented the team from attending the test, but the fact that team personnel are already at the Jerez circuit suggests it was a late call to delay shipping the car.

The #MR03's testing debut is subject to a delay while we resolve a small but frustrating technical issue - Marussia F1 Team (@Marussia_F1Team) January 27, 2014

The aim is to solve the issue as quickly as possible and send the car on its way. We're all set up here in Jerez ready & waiting for it - Marussia F1 Team (@Marussia_F1Team) January 27, 2014

The Sky Sports F1 Online team will be providing live commentary of all three winter tests, starting in Jerez on Tuesday January 28, with live updates from trackside also on Sky Sports News