bigbadbrother
01-21-2014, 08:25 PM
Caterham has finally confirmed that Kamui Kobayashi will join Marcus Ericsson this year, as predicted here back on Dec. 20.
Alexander Rossi retains his role as a test driver and will also race in GP2, and he’s joined in the reserve role by Dutchman Robin Frijns, who is rebuilding his career with new management after being dropped by Sauber.
Kobayashi last raced in F1 in 2012, and spent last year contracted to Ferrari, while Ericsson is the first Swede to have a F1 race seat since Stefan Johansson’s last season in 1991.
The 23-year-old has competed in GP2 for the past four seasons, scoring one win in 2010, 2012 and 2013. His best championship finish was sixth last year. He did three days of testing for Brawn GP at Jerez back in December 2009.
Team principal Cyril Abiteboul said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring Kamui back. He is a very popular driver and it’s very good for the whole team we’ve been able to attract such an exciting driver to join us at a critical point in our development. His pace speaks for itself, and his extensive experience of developing cars, particularly in his years with Toyota, will be incredibly important for us as we tackle one of the most challenging seasons F1 has ever embarked upon.
“Alongside him is Marcus who will be racing in his debut F1 season in 2014, but as a driver who has prepared perfectly for the step up to F1 with his graduation through the ranks. He started his single-seat career by winning Formula BMW UK in 2007, and rose through the ranks to GP2 where, last year, he won in Germany, scored two poles, three fastest laps and five podiums. He’s physically and mentally prepared for what lies ahead, and he will have all the support we can give him across the team to help him fulfill his obvious potential in Formula One.”
Alexander Rossi retains his role as a test driver and will also race in GP2, and he’s joined in the reserve role by Dutchman Robin Frijns, who is rebuilding his career with new management after being dropped by Sauber.
Kobayashi last raced in F1 in 2012, and spent last year contracted to Ferrari, while Ericsson is the first Swede to have a F1 race seat since Stefan Johansson’s last season in 1991.
The 23-year-old has competed in GP2 for the past four seasons, scoring one win in 2010, 2012 and 2013. His best championship finish was sixth last year. He did three days of testing for Brawn GP at Jerez back in December 2009.
Team principal Cyril Abiteboul said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring Kamui back. He is a very popular driver and it’s very good for the whole team we’ve been able to attract such an exciting driver to join us at a critical point in our development. His pace speaks for itself, and his extensive experience of developing cars, particularly in his years with Toyota, will be incredibly important for us as we tackle one of the most challenging seasons F1 has ever embarked upon.
“Alongside him is Marcus who will be racing in his debut F1 season in 2014, but as a driver who has prepared perfectly for the step up to F1 with his graduation through the ranks. He started his single-seat career by winning Formula BMW UK in 2007, and rose through the ranks to GP2 where, last year, he won in Germany, scored two poles, three fastest laps and five podiums. He’s physically and mentally prepared for what lies ahead, and he will have all the support we can give him across the team to help him fulfill his obvious potential in Formula One.”