Marussia will retain Jules Bianchi - member of the Ferrari Driver Academy - for 2014 © Getty Images Enlarge

Marussia sporting director Graeme Lowdon expects the Ferrari engine to "make a big difference" to the team this year.

Having used Cosworth engines during its four seasons in Formula One so far, Marussia switches to Ferrari power units for the new engine regulations in 2014. Lowdon said the partnership had been successful so far and that he expects to see an increase in performance for Marussia based on the new engine supplier alone.

"I think it will make a big difference," Lowdon told Sky Sports. "Scuderia Ferrari are a very, very professional outfit and it is an absolute pleasure to work with them.

"I am very excited about the product and also the service offer that they give us. They are very creative and very helpful, very knowledgeable and very experienced and we are relishing it - these new engines are a big challenge, but we are relishing it as we are going in there with a very strong partner."

And Lowdon added that he expected Marussia to be ready to test its new car at Jerez in two weeks.

"I hope so. Every team is working towards [Jerez], testing time in Formula One is incredibly limited, so if it is there and you can use it, you want to use it. That said there are a thousand tiny components that can stop you or slow you. Hopefully we will be there, that is certainly what we are planning for."

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