Caterham confirms Kobayashi and Ericsson

Last team still to announce the identity of its drivers for the next season of F1, Caterham kept the suspense going. Very quickly, the team suggested that it wanted to have an experienced driver in its ranks. The names of Kamui Kobayashi, former Sauber driver in particular, and Heikki Kovalainen, 3rd driver of the team in 2013 and who had replaced Kimi Räikkönen at Lotus for the last two races at the end of last year, had then circulated. It was ultimately the 27-year-old Japanese who was chosen, in accordance with what AUTOhebdo announced to you at the beginning of January (see Ah #1942). He would arrive with an envelope of around 5 million euros. “I was impressed by their ambitions and the investments made to achieve this goal. » explains the one who defended the colors of the tandem Ferrari / AF Corsica in WEC Last year. “From what I have seen, Caterham has everything to progress this year and for the seasons to come. »

His teammate will be the young Marcus Ericsson, aged 23. Arriving from GP2, where he had been racing since 2010, including the last season with DAMS, the Swede only obtained 6th place in the championship as best result in the series. However, he would have almost 10 million euros in sponsorship, which must have weighed in the balance. “I'm very proud, and it's a special day for everyone who helped me get to F1, he declares, who is the first Swede to drive in F1 since Stefan Johansson in 1991. I can't wait to start in Australia for the first race. »

This announcement therefore puts an end to the hopes of a starting seat for Charles Pic. The Frenchman had been in a delicate position since the end of 2013, since his contract had not been renewed. Cyril Abiteboul, general manager of Caterham, declared last night on Infosport + that the Frenchman would not be extended. “ Charles, unfortunately will not be with us next year. It?s a shame that the adventure between Caterham and Charles is ending. On a personal note, however, I would like to thank Charles for the work he accomplished last year. He has a certain talent which can find more resonance in manifesting itself in a more mature, more important team. » Pic could bounce back as 3rd driver at Lotus, with the support of Renault.

Alexander is reappointed to the position of reserve pilot Red. The 22-year-old American, renewed, is joined by the 22-year-old Dutchman Robin Frijns, 3.5 FR 2012 Series champion and by the 20-year-old Indonesian Rio Haryanto.