Number 17 to be retired in Bianchi’s honour

Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, has announced that car number 17 will no longer be used in the FIA Formula One World Championship, in memory of Jules Bianchi who passed away last week.

Bianchi, who succumbed to injuries sustained in an accident in last year’s Japanese Grand Prix, raced with number 17 during the 2014 season, notably scoring his and the Marussia team’s first championship points in Monaco.

Last year's championship was the first in which drivers could select their own numbers, though interestingly 17 was not Bianchi’s first choice. The Frenchman had requested 7, 27 or 77, but all were taken by drivers who finished above him in the 2013 standings and were hence given priority.