Charles Pic Signed On A Multi-Year Deal With Caterham For 2013

Frenchman Charles Pic has been signed by Caterham on a multi-year deal starting next season, in a move which will see the 22-year-old move from Marussia to Caterham to replace either Heikki Kovalainen or Vitaly Petrov at the team. Pic has unquestionably impressed many so far this season, and will aim to continue doing so next season.

After graduating from GP2 to Formula 1 for the 2012 season, Charles Pic initially struggled at the start of the season, largely due to the new tracks the Frenchman was striving to learn. But once the F1 fraternity moved back to Europe, and tracks that Pic knew well, the rookie’s form improved greatly. This saw him out-qualify and even out-race vastly experienced team-mate Timo Glock on a regular basis.

As the Frenchman’s form improved as the season progressed, many began linking him to a move further up the order. With the likes of Max Chilton poised to team-mate Timo Glock next season, Charles Pic was speculated to be moving to Caterham several months ago. With the F1 fraternity gearing up for the final race of the season around Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit, Caterham have finally ended the speculation and have officially confirmed Charles Pic as one of their drivers for 2013.

“Throughout the 2012 season we have been monitoring the progress that Charles has made, challenging us on several occasions in qualifying, and it is clear that he is a special talent.” Explained Caterham’s team principal, Cyril Abiteboul. “As the year has progressed he has performed extremely well against a very experienced team-mate and we are looking forward to seeing him develop further within the environment we will provide in 2013 and beyond. Being able to make this announcement before the end of the current season gives us the chance now to allow Charles and the team to prepare fully for the 2013 season and quickly learn how to maximize the performance benefits of the Renault Sport F1 and Red Bull Technology power-train that will be new to him.”

Charles Pic is understandably thrilled to receive such an opportunity to progress further up the F1 ladder, as Caterham themselves continue improving at each event. The team have quickly become regarded as the top of the three “new” teams in the sport, alongside Pic’s current team Marussia and HRT.

“I am very proud to be able to confirm that I am joining Caterham F1 Team next year and I’m looking forward to many seasons of successful racing co-operation.” Said Charles Pic, “It is clear that the team has great ambitions for the future: the investments already made and the decisions taken in the last few months show how committed the shareholders are to succeed and demonstrates their willingness to keep going forward. I am very excited about starting my second year in F1 with a team that has so much potential. Caterham F1 Team has everything in place to help it move into a position to fight with a number of teams ahead. I know how determined the team is to keep progressing and I am looking forward to playing my part in helping them move up the grid.”

Charles Pic, like many other drivers on the grid, made his way to Formula 1 through the GP2 feeder series, taking numerous race victories along the way before making the “graduation” to Formula 1 this season with Marussia. It’s clear that Charles Pic has the potential to succeed in the sport and this move to Caterham is certainly a move in the right step for the French driver.

Picture Copyright © Marussia F1 Team

No Further Action On Sergio Perez And Charles Pic Practice Incident

The race stewards have confirmed that there will be no further action against either Sergio Perez or Charles Pic after their coming together during the final practice session of the weekend earlier today. The Mexican driver has already incurred a reprimand for blocking Timo Glock this weekend, and was lucky to escape without a penalty.

As Sergio Perez caught Charles Pic during the final practice session of the weekend, the Mexican driver tried an overtake on the rookie which resulted in contact between the two. Although the incident was not major, Perez picked up front wing damage on his Sauber and Pic received minor floor damage which momentarily impeded his progress throughout the session.

Immediately after the incident, there was mixed emotions throughout the paddock as to who was in the wrong, however the stewards have decided that no driver was in the wrong and that a penalty will not be forthcoming to either Sergio Perez or Charles Pic. It is expected that drivers could find themselves in a similar position during qualifying through Turns 3, 4, 5 and 6. Due to the high speeds through this section of the circuit, the closing speeds between the various cars is increased.

Since being signed at McLaren, Sergio Perez has failed to score a single World Championship point, and has recently come under the spotlight largely due to his questionable driving. With Perez regarding this race as his home Grand Prix, he will unarguably be striving to succeed throughout qualifying and the race.

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Charles Pic Forced To Retire With Engine Problems At Abu Dhabi

After a sensational qualifying performance from rookie Charles Pic yesterday, which saw the Frenchman out-qualify team-mate Timo Glock and the Caterham of Vitaly Petrov, the 22-year-old endured a tough 55-lap race. After loosing out at the start, the Frenchman was eventually forced into retirement due to engine issues on lap 41.

At the start of the race, Charles Pic lost ground to team-mate Timo Glock and the Caterham of Vitaly Petrov. Despite a competitive battle throughout the early stages of the race between the Marussia driver and Vitaly Petrov, Caterham’s KERS advantage saw the Russian driver open up a gap to Charles Pic. The Frenchman’s race was made all the more difficult with a frustrating pit-stop, before Pic was finally forced into retirement during the closing stages of the race.

“It was a very tough but exciting race today.” Explained Charles Pic, who has greatly impressed many in the paddock so far this season. “I was in a good battle with Vitaly and I came close to overtaking him on several occasions. Unfortunately we couldn’t quite meet the challenge of his KERS advantage. Our pitstop was not quite perfect, which is a shame as a slick stop could have helped us to jump him. Overall I am pleased that I could enjoy a good battle with one of the Caterhams; it’s just unfortunate that we had to retire because of the engine problem. Generally I have to say it has been a very positive weekend.”

As Charles Pic’s debut season in Formula 1 draws to a conclusion, speculation still surrounds the Frenchman as to where he will end up in 2013. Both Caterham and Marussia could be potential options for Pic, who is remaining focused on the final two races of the season, at two tracks the Marussia driver has yet to race on.

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Heikki Kovalainen Remaining Focused On Catching Marussia

Heikki Kovalainen is remaining focused on catching Marussia for 10th place in the Constructors’ Championship, instead of worrying about his future within the Caterham outfit next season. With the Finn’s future unconfirmed for next season, questions are continuing to be raised as to where he might end up come 2013.

Although Heikki Kovalainen has driven for the Leafield-based outfit since their debut season back in 2010, when they were known as Lotus, the Finn has yet to be confirmed for what would be his fourth season with the team. Since his time at the team, he has been partnered by Jarno Trulli and now Vitaly Petrov, however rising stars from the likes of GP2 and the World Series by Renault are threatening his continuation as a Caterham driver.

When asked about his future in Formula 1, Heikki Kovalainen remained coy on the subject, deciding instead to emphasize his focus in taking each race as it comes and catching Marussia for 10th place in the Constructors’ Championship. With neither Marussia or Caterham having scored any points so far this season, their position in the Constructors’ Championship is determined by their highest finish of the season.

“Nothing’s been signed for next [season] for myself yet.” Explained Heikki Kovalainen, “Personally, my target and my focus is at each race weekend for our team it’s quite important that we try to regain that 10th position back from Marussia. It’s not going to be easy but I think we have to do whatever it takes to be in a position to do that if a freak race happens again. So, the main focus is on that and regarding the future with the team and with Tony, we haven’t decided yet. I think Tony knows what he gets with me but then he’s evaluating other options I think to see what he wants to do. And I’m waiting. In the meantime, of course, my management is also working. There’s nothing really to report but the main thing I think for myself and really for our team has to be to keep pushing to get that 10th position back, it’s quite crucial.”

With Vitaly Petrov’s future at Caterham also in doubt for next season, the driving line-up at the team could be set to change drastically ahead of the new season. Both reserve drivers Giedo van der Garde and Alexander Rossi have driven for the team during Friday practice at least once throughout the year, and could well be an option for Caterham. Either way, both Heikki Kovalainen and Vitaly Petrov are striving for a competitive result in the closing four races of the season, as they try to remain a Caterham driver for 2013.

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Charles Pic Incurs Ten-Place Grid Penalty For Engine Change

The Marussia of Charles Pic is set to incur a ten-place grid drop ahead of this weekend’s Korean Grand Prix, after the Frenchman’s mechanics decided to change his engine overnight. This is Pic’s ninth engine change of the season, after the rookie used up all of his eight engines throughout the previous races.

With the regulations stipulating that drivers must use only eight engines throughout the entire season, Charles Pic has unfortunately used up all eight of his units. This means that each new engine fitted to his Marussia car will see him incur a ten-place grid penalty, which will most likely see Pic qualify 24th and last.

After the opening two practice sessions of the weekend, Marussia’s race engineer David Greenwood confirmed concerns within the team with regards to Pic’s engine usage, with the team now desperate to make this ninth unit last the remaining five races until season’s end.

“Yes, I would say so [concerned with regards to engines].” Confirmed David Greenwood, “At the minute that is a concern on where we are with the engines.”

Charles Pic was already at a slight disadvantage heading into the Korean Grand Prix weekend, with the Frenchman having no opportunity to test drive the Korea International Circuit on the simulator prior to the weekend. Because many teams didn’t have the relevant laser models for the Korea International Circuit for their simulators, many drivers were at a similar disadvantage prior to the race weekend, with Kimi Raikkonen failing to even walk the track on the Thursday.

“I think, from our perspective, it was a little bit more difficult for Charles to learn Korea versus Japan because of the quality of the track model.” Explained David Greenwood, “That has shown up a little bit this morning. He did say it was harder and definitely in Japan he got more on the pace quicker. It’s not ideal but we’re all in the same situation, so that’s what we use and we get on with it.”

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Charles Pic To Receive Post-Race Time Penalty At Singapore

Charles Pic has been issued a post-race time penalty for the Singapore Grand Prix, after the French rookie overtook another car during a red flag period after previously passing no less than four red lights/flags. Pic and his team engineer will also be required to perform one day’s Community Service for FIA Action for Road Safety campaign.

The incident occurred during the closing stages of the third and final practice session yesterday, after Vitaly Petrov hit the wall and spun at the entrance to the pit-lane. This caused the session to end under red flag conditions, however the Marussia of Charles Pic mistakingly overtook another competitor, after already passing four red flags/lights which line the Marina Bay street circuit.

The resulting penalty will most likely see Charles Pic finish the Singapore Grand Prix in last position, seeing as the Marussia duo have spent the majority of the season fighting at the back of the pack with the HRTs and Caterhams. Due to the 20 second post-race timed penalty imposed on the Frenchman, he’ll be lucky to finish ahead of his nearest competitors especially with the HRTs continuously improving.

“Penalty of 20 seconds to be added to the driver’s race time and in addition the driver and his team engineer to perform 1 day’s Community Service for FIA Action for Road Safety campaign at the instruction of the FIA President.” Read a statement issued by the FIA after the incident, outlining Charles Pic’s penalty. The former GP2 driver, who ‘graduated’ from the feeder series for this season, has taken full responsibility for the error.

“With regard to the penalty imposed by the FIA after FP3, I have seen the information and I would like to say that I completely agree with it.” Admitted Charles Pic, “It was a mistake on my part and I will use the experience wisely.”

Charles Pic will start the Singapore Grand Prix from 22nd on the grid, after being out-qualified by his vastly experienced team-mate of Timo Glock.

Picture Copyright © Marussia F1 Team

Max Chilton Eager To Receive Friday Practice Running With Marussia

Marussia’s new reserve driver Max Chilton has expressed hope that he can partake in several Friday morning practice sessions towards the end of the season, as the Briton aims to become the next British sensation in the sport. Chilton took a dominant feature race victory in GP2 at Singapore earlier today, racing for the Marussia-backed Carlin outfit.

Chilton’s new role as the Marussia F1 reserve driver will commence once the F1 circus arrives at Suzuka next month for the Japanese Grand Prix, one of the favorites on the F1 calendar amongst the paddock. From there, Formula 1 heads immediately to Yeongam for the Korean Grand Prix. However, it is at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November where rumor has it that Max Chilton could make his F1 debut at an official race weekend.

“There is no agreement as such, but I think there is a strong possibility I can have a go this year,” explained Max Chilton to Autosport at Singapore. “I’ve driven Abu Dhabi in an F1 car and that is the one I would love to do. I have done a lot of GP2 running there too, so that is the one where I would feel most comfortable, so hopefully I will get the chance. But nothing is agreed as yet.”

With the GP2 Series coming to a conclusion this weekend at Singapore, Max Chilton will be able to fully focus on his reserve driver duties at Marussia for the final races of the season. Max Chilton has competed in the GP2 Series since 2010, and has this season shown his true potential behind the wheel of the Marussia-backed Carlin outfit alongside Indonesian team-mate Rio Haryanto. The Briton currently sits 4th in the Drivers’ Champion, with only one final sprint race remaining at Singapore.

Picture Copyright © Marussia F1 Team

Max Chilton Becomes Marussia Reserve Driver

British GP2 driver Max Chilton has been selected as the Marussia reserve driver for the remainder of the season, starting with the Japanese Grand Prix in two weeks time. Chilton partook in the Young Driver Test at Silverstone with the Banbury-based outfit back in July, and is currently preparing for the GP2 season finale at Singapore this weekend.

Max Chilton began racing in the Formula 1 feeder series back in 2010 for Ocean Racing Technology, and has since moved to the Marussia backed Carlin team. This season has seen Chilton compete towards the sharp end of the field consistently throughout the year, with the Briton carrying out a flawless victory during the feature race in Hungary after qualifying on pole.

“I’m delighted to be given this fantastic opportunity to be part of the Marussia F1 Team for the remainder of the 2012 season.” Explained Max Chilton, “My experience with the team at Silverstone for the Young Driver Test was a great taste of how F1 operates, and I’m so excited to be able to extend that into a proper working relationship as Reserve Driver at the remaining F1 events this year. I feel like my racing has really matured this season and to now be able to combine that with real insight into the engineering activities of an F1 team, and the level of preparation required of an F1 driver, really moves my career onto the next level. I’d like to thank the team once again for this opportunity.”

The reserve driver role at Marussia was previously held by Maria de Villota, who was severely injured during a straight-line aero test at Duxford Airfield earlier in the year. Max Chilton is currently 5th in the GP2 Drivers’ Championship, with 144 points scored.

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Timo Glock: “Singapore Is My Favorite Circuit”

Like the majority of the F1 paddock, Timo Glock is very much looking forward to next weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, especially after the German’s superlative track record around the daunting Marina Bay street circuit. Glock finished the 2009 race in 2nd position, behind eventual winner Lewis Hamilton.

After several competitive races for the Marussia outfit, both Timo Glock and Charles Pic are confident ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. Although the outfit has remained towards the rear of the pack throughout the duration of the season, the two drivers have remained upbeat as they continue hunting for the teams first ever World Championship points. The Singapore Grand Prix will be Pic’s first floodlit race, as the Anglo-Russian outfit continue to improve at the back of the pack.

“Singapore is a very special circuit, as the only night race on the calendar.” Enthused Timo Glock, “I have great memories from this race as I finished on the points in the first year and on the podium in 2009. Every year it’s great to come back and without doubt it is my favorite race on the calendar. Over the last races we had some real potential in our package, so I’m looking forward to showing more of that and hopefully we can have a good result there. The next part of the season will be a tough challenge for the team, so I hope we can continue to make good progress to reward all the hard work throughout the team.”

Since Timo Glock’s illustrious 2nd place during the 2009 Singapore Grand Prix, the German driver has suffered torrid luck around the Marina Bay street circuit, failing to finish in the last two races. With Marussia continuously improving, Timo Glock will unquestionably be striving to finish the Singapore Grand Prix this season. With further developments set to be introduced next weekend, there is high amounts of confidence within the Marussia outfit.

Picture Copyright © Marussia F1 Team

Tio Ellinas Awarded 2013 Young Driver Test With Marussia

It has been confirmed that GP3 driver Tio Ellinas will drive for the Marussia outfit during their 2013 Young Driver Test program, as a reward for ending the GP3 Series season as the most successful Marussia Manor Racing driver. The Cypriot won the last race of the season at Monza, and will become the first driver from his nation to drive F1 machinery.

Tio Ellinas enjoyed a highly successful debut season in GP3, finishing all but one of the 16 races throughout the season. The Cypriot won the final race in Monza in superlative fashion, denying Daniel Abt the Championship and thus allow Mitch Evans to become the 2012 Champion. Tio Ellinas ended the season 8th in the Drivers’ Championship, with 99 points scored. As a reward for his unyielding consistency, the 20-year-old will drive for the Marussia F1 team during next season’s Young Driver Test.

“Our young driver programme is a significant component of our team and has been since our inception,” explained Marussia’s team principal, John Booth. “It is very important to us to not only provide opportunities for the current crop of drivers, but also to nurture the next generation of rising stars. Whilst we are incredibly focused on the operations of the Marussia F1 Team at Grands Prix, it is second nature to us to watch with interest the very exciting and encouraging performances we see in the support formulae. Tio has done a superb job all season and thoroughly deserves the opportunity of an F1 Test.”

The test in question will most likely not occur until the end of next season, with Marussia having already run their Young Driver Test program earlier this year at Silverstone. At the time, the Banbury-based outfit ran GP2 drivers’ Max Chilton and Rio Haryanto in a test which took place the week after the British Grand Prix.

“It was fantastic to win my first race last weekend at Monza.” Said Tio Ellinas, whose debut season in GP3 consisted on one victory, two podiums and three fastest laps. “It has been a tough season, but I have learned a lot and it culminated in the success of the weekend at an amazing circuit. It doesn’t quite seem real that I’m going to get my first F1 test; it is something I have always dreamed of since I was a child. The test should come after the season next year, so I will be well prepared for it. I really want to thank the Marussia F1 team for this amazing opportunity.”

Tio Ellinas joins former GP3 drivers Rio Haryanto and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, who were also offered the opportunity to test for the Marussia F1 team after equally competitive seasons in GP3. Since then, however, Haryanto has progressed to GP2 whereas Quaife-Hobbs has progressed to the Auto GP Championship. The Cypriot will be eager to follow in their footsteps, in either graduation to GP2 or elsewhere in the future.

Picture Copyright © Glenn Dunbar/GP3 Series Media Service