Nico Hulkenberg returns to Force India on multi-year deal for 2014

Nico Hulkenberg has been officially confirmed at Force India for the 2014 season, after the Silverstone-based outfit announced that the German would return on a ‘multi-year’ deal after only one season at Sauber. Despite the 26-year-old’s confirmation, his team-mate at Force India has yet to be announced.

After leaving Force India at the end of the 2012 season for Sauber, many were expecting the German sensation to partner Romain Grosjean at Lotus following Kimi Raikkonen’s return to Ferrari. However, after the Enstone-based outfit elected for Venezuelan driver Pastor Maldonado, Nico Hulkenberg’s options for the new season consisted of either another season at Sauber or a return to Force India. Throughout the 2013 campaign Sauber struggled in comparison to the previous season, with the Swiss outfit unable to return to the podium as Nico Hulkenberg managed to bring home the lion share of the team’s points alongside rookie Esteban Gutierrez.

For the 2014 season Formula 1 will enter a new era of technical regulations, with a new 1.6 litre turbocharged V6 engine formula being introduced. Although testing with the new engines has not yet begun, Mercedes are hopeful of offering a competitive engine when the new era of Formula 1 dawns in March. Nico Hulkenberg has expressed great delight in making his return to Force India for the new season, with hopes that the new Mercedes engine package will enable the Silverstone-based outfit to enjoy a competitive season.

“I am happy to come back to Sahara Force India,” explained Nico Hulkenberg, who scored 63 points with the outfit in 2012. “The team is aiming high for next year and I believe that the experience I have gained over the years will help us achieve those goals. I genuinely believe we can have a competitive package in 2014. I’ve heard a lot of positive things about the Mercedes engine as well, so I think there is a lot to be excited about for next year. I know this team and I can see their determination; it’s a great bunch of people and we all share the same hunger for success.”

Whilst the rumour-mill surrounding Nico Hulkenberg’s future endeavours for 2014 will now evaporate, speculations will surely continue with regards to the German’s eventual team-mate for the new season. Adrian Sutil and Paul di Resta will unquestionably remain candidates, with the former team-mates enduring a topsy-turvy 2013 season which ultimately ran out of steam after Pirelli made amendments to their tyres. Other likely candidates such as former McLaren driver Sergio Perez could also remain a possibility for the Silverstone-based outfit, as the pieces of the 2014 driver market slowly begin falling into place.

Picture Copyright © Force India F1 Team

Simon Trummer to remain with Rapax in GP2 for 2014

Swiss driver Simon Trummer has been confirmed with Rapax for next season, as the GP2 Series gears up for it’s final race weekend at Abu Dhabi. The 24-year-old will compete in his third season with the Italian outfit in 2014, after previously competing with Arden International and also Jenzer Motorsport in the GP3 Series.

After graduating from the GP3 Series in 2012 to Arden International, Simon Trummer soon switched to Rapax to partner Stefano Coletti. Although the Monegasque ace has stormed to an impressive string of results this season, Simon Trummer has unquestionably impressed with two personal best results of 6th at both the Malaysian and Hungarian Grands Prix. The Frutigen-born driver began his open-wheel career in the Formula Lista Junior category in 2006, before then moving up to the Formula Renault 2.0 Suisse Championship in 2007. From there he has gradually risen through the junior categories to the GP2 Series, where he is understandably excited with the prospect of remaining with Rapax in 2014.

“Continuing my motor racing career in the GP2 Series is such a great thing, and doing it with Rapax, a team that feels like home to me, makes it even greater!” Enthused the Swiss driver, “We had a good start this season, and after that we had to work and fight a lot. I know that together with the them [Rapax], thanks to hard work and commitment during the winter, we can put together a really good season next year.”

So far Simon Trummer has yet to finish on the podium in the GP2 Series, unlike experienced team-mate Stefano Coletti who has taken numerous race victories so far this season which has enabled him to remain a Championship contender throughout the year. However, with his future in the feeder category confirmed for 2014, Simon Trummer will undoubtedly be aiming for a competitive season next year in what will be his third year in Formula 1’s main support category.

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Ferrari confirms Kimi Raikkonen return alongside Fernando Alonso in 2014

Rumours regarding Kimi Raikkonen’s future in Formula 1 have been officially brought to a conclusion, with Ferrari confirming the Finn’s return to the outfit on a two-year deal. This will see Raikkonen replace Felipe Massa next season, as well as partner Fernando Alonso in what will unquestionably be a strong line-up for the Scuderia.

Once Kimi Raikkonen was thwarted by Daniel Ricciardo in the quest for the Red Bull vacancy alongside reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel, rumours stepped up a gear linking the 2007 World Champion with a shock move back to Ferrari. The Finn drove for the Italian outfit between 2007 and 2009, winning nine races and one World Championship. However, towards the end of the 2009 season his relationship within the Scuderia was brought to a premature conclusion when they opted to replace him with two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.

Kimi Raikkonen was an instant success at Ferrari, winning the Championship in 2007.

Although Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo stated back in December that two number one drivers would not be ideal for a team like Ferrari, it seems next season is shaping up to be one of incredible intrigue at the Scuderia as two of the sports most competitive drivers work together at one of the most iconic marques in motorsport. Both drivers made their debuts’ in Formula 1 back in 2001, with Fernando Alonso at Minardi and Kimi Raikkonen at Sauber. Both drivers have enjoyed tremendous success in the sport, and are highly regarded by many within the paddock.

“Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has reached an agreement with Kimi Raikkonen. The Finn will join Fernando Alonso in the driver line-up for the next two racing seasons,” read an official statement from Ferrari on Raikkonen’s return.

The announcement comes amid a huge reshuffle within the driver market, with Mark Webber set to bid the sport farewell at the end of the season and be replaced by Daniel Ricciardo. Unless Felipe Massa manages to find a drive elsewhere on the grid for 2014, he too could be set to leave Formula 1 with new faces including Sergey Sirotkin and Antonio Felix da Costa likely to make an appearance at Sauber and Toro Rosso respectively. Nico Hulkenberg is widely tipped to replace Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus, with Romain Grosjean likely to remain at the Enstone-based outfit alongside the German.

This announcement sees Kimi Raikkonen become the first driver to return to Ferrari since Gerhard Berger back in 1993, after the Austrian ace departed from the Scuderia in 1989 to join Ayrton Senna at McLaren. With Kimi Raikkonen regarded as a master of consistency within the paddock, after his record-breaking streak of 25 races within the points for Lotus between 2012 and 2013, the Finn will be looking to excel to the heights of his 2007 competitiveness when he is reunited with the Prancing Horse.

Picture(s) Copyright © Lotus F1 Team & Ferrari

Felipe Massa confirms Ferrari departure for 2014

Felipe Massa has officially confirmed that he will depart from Ferrari at the end of the 2014 season, amid ongoing speculation surrounding the Brazilian driver’s continuation with the Scuderia. It is strongly believed he will be replaced by former World Champion Kimi Raikkonen, a move which would see the Finn return to the Italian outfit.

During the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, rumours began to emerge linking the former Ferrari World Champion with a shock move back to Maranello. With Raikkonen clearly unhappy at Lotus and eager to leave, he was also rumored with a switch to both Red Bull and McLaren. However, when Daniel Ricciardo beat the Finn to Mark Webber’s vacancy at the Milton Keynes-based outfit, the rumours intensified linking him to Felipe Massa’s seat alongside Fernando Alonso.

Although there has yet to be an official confirmation from the Scuderia announcing Kimi Raikkonen with a return to the team, 32-year-old Brazilian Felipe Massa has officially confirmed his departure from the team at the end of the current season. This will end a long career at Maranello for Massa, who joined the outfit way back in 2006 alongside Michael Schumacher. During his time with the team he has secured 11 race victories, however he has yet to return to the top step of the rostrum since 2008, the longest time without a victory for any Ferrari driver in the sport.

“From 2014 I will no longer be driving for Ferrari,” explained Felipe Massa on Instagram, along with a picture of him winning his home race in Brazil. “I would like to thank the team for all the victories and incredible moments experienced together. Thank you also to my wife and all of my family, to my fans and all my sponsors. From each one of you I have always received a great support! Right now I want to push as hard as possible with Ferrari for the remaining 7 races.”

Although this announcement officially ends a chapter in Felipe Massa and Ferrari’s history, the Brazilian driver is eager to remain within the sport. With a whole host of driver changes set to reverberate around the paddock due to his departure from Ferrari, Felipe Massa has confirmed he will be seeking a new drive for 2014 with a team which will offer him the chance to add to his tally of race victories.

“For next year, I want to find a team that can give me a competitive car to win many more races and challenge for the Championship which remains my greatest objective! Thank you all.”

Although many believe Kimi Raikkonen will imminently be announced as Fernando Alonso’s team-mate for the 2014 season, others still believe German ace Nico Hulkenberg has an outside chance of securing the role. The former Williams and Force India driver enjoyed a tremendously competitive race weekend last time out at Monza, qualifying 3rd and finishing 5th. However, some believe Kimi Raikkonen has already signed a two-year deal with the Scuderia, which would see him become the first driver to return to Ferrari since Gerhard Berger back in 1993.

More to follow…

 

Picture Copyright © Pirelli

 

Sebastian Vettel Extends Red Bull Contract Until 2015

It has been confirmed that Sebastian Vettel has extended his multi-year contract with Red Bull until 2015, following recurring rumors regarding the three-time Champion’s future in Formula 1. This announcement comes after the German’s dominant display of race-craft last time out at the Canadian Grand Prix, where he won by +14.408 seconds.

Since his switch to Red Bull back in 2009, Sebastian Vettel has been a dominant figure in the world of Formula 1. The German sensation has stormed to a sensational 28 victories for the team, including three Championship titles, 50 podium finishes and 38 pole positions. The 25-year-old has been a figurehead for Red Bull’s young driver programme, with the German progressing to Formula 1 after competing in junior categories such as the Formula 3 EuroSeries and World Series by Renault.

Despite his extremely competitive career with Red Bull, rumors were floating around the Formula 1 paddock that the German could well be on the move to Ferrari in the future. Although this announcement dampens such rumors, it is still perfectly feasible that he could make the switch for the 2016 season. Such speculations aside, it seems Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull’s dominance will continue for the foreseeable future as the German unquestionably begins to set his sights upon Michael Schumacher’s record.

Picture Copyright © Getty Images

Williams Confirm Long-Term Mercedes Engine Deal

Williams has confirmed a long-term engine deal with German marque Mercedes from 2014 onwards, which will see the Grove-based outfit switch to its fifth engine supplier in fourteen years since its endeavor with BMW-power back in 2000. Since then, Williams has been powered by the likes of Toyota, Cosworth and Renault.

Rumors linking Williams to Mercedes for the 2014 season emerged during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, and comes only several weeks since McLaren announced their return to Honda engines from 2015 onwards. The subject of engine suppliers has become increasingly popular in recent weeks, with Toro Rosso confirming a switch from Ferrari to Renault and Caterham likely to confirm their allegiance to the French engine supplier in the coming days.

Although Mercedes will supply Williams with the Mercedes-Benz Power Unit and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, the Grove-based outfit will still manufacture their own transmission next season. This move from Williams comes only several months after former Executive Director Toto Wolff switched to Mercedes to become the marque’s Executive Director. The 41-year-old believes the partnership is a win-win situation for both Williams and Mercedes.

Toto Wolff believes the switch will be a win-win situation for both Mercedes and Williams.

“The proud heritage of Williams and the company’s commitment to technological excellence make it a perfect long-term partner for Mercedes-Benz under the new powertrain regulations.” Explained Toto Wolff, “It is a win-win situation for both HPP and Williams, which will ensure HPP is able to supply at least three teams on a long-term basis under the new regulations and could open interesting new perspectives for technology transfer. We look forward to enjoying much success together over the coming years.”

From 2014 onwards, the technical aspects of a Formula 1 engine will change drastically, with the sport switching from the current normally aspirated 2.4 litre V8 engine to a new 1.6 litre V6 turbocharged hybrid power unit. Mercedes has already unveiled their engine for the 2014 season, which will witness one of the largest technical revamps in the history of the sport. Williams founder and team principal, Sir Frank Williams, has expressed great delight in announcing his team’s technical partnership with Mercedes.

“I’m delighted to announce our new association with Mercedes-Benz for the 2014 Formula One season and beyond.” Enthused Sir Frank Williams, “Mercedes-Benz has been one of the sport’s most successful engine suppliers and we believe that they will have an extremely competitive engine package. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Renault for their continued hard work since we renewed our engine partnership at the beginning of the 2012 season. We have enjoyed a strong relationship that has resulted in much success over the years, including powering us to winning ways once again last year at the Spanish Grand Prix.”

Since recording their first victory since the 2004 season last year at the Spanish Grand Prix, Williams has endured a frustrating start to the new season. The Grove-based outfit has so far been unable score any points this season, with former race winner Pastor Maldonado and former GP3 Series Champion Valtteri Bottas both suffering a tough start to the 2013 season. However, the switch to Mercedes next season could well provide the team with the technical backing required for a return to their competitive ways.

Picture(s) Copyright © Williams F1 Team & Mercedes AMG Petronas

Conor Daly Confirmed For 2013 Indianapolis 500

It has been confirmed that 21-year-old American driver Conor Daly will compete in this year’s Indianapolis 500 with A.J. Foyt Racing, alongside the team’s full-time driver Takuma Sato. Conor Daly, who is the son of former Formula 1 and IndyCar driver Derek Daly, is currently competing in the GP2 Series with Hilmer Motorsport.

This announcement comes after Conor Daly tested for A.J. Foyt Racing in mid-December at the Sebring International Raceway, in doing so getting his first taste of the Dallara-spec IZOD IndyCar Series machine. In 2011, Conor Daly competed in the Firestone Indy Lights Series, the support category for the IZOD IndyCar Series. During his time in the feeder category, Daly took one race victory and two further podium finishes whilst also competing in the GP3 Series in Europe for Carlin. Last year the American ace continued in the GP3 Series for Lotus GP, securing his maiden victory at Barcelona whilst also storming to Championship success in the MRF Challenge.

Conor Daly took his maiden GP3 victory at Barcelona in 2012.

For 2013 Conor Daly has graduated from GP3 to GP2 with Hilmer Motorsport, a new team in the support category. The American driver made his debut in the Series several weeks ago in Malaysia, in support of the Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix. Conor Daly managed to finish 13th and 7th respectively in the feature and sprint race, and will make his second appearance in the Series in several weeks in Bahrain. The 21-year-old, from Noblesville, Indiana, is understandably thrilled to be preparing to compete in the Indianapolis 500, undoubtedly one of the most prestigious races of the year.

“I almost can’t describe what it means to have the opportunity to race in the Indianapolis 500,” explained Conor Daly. “I am so thankful that A.J. and [team director] Larry [Foyt] have given me my first shot at the greatest race in the world. I know this will sound cheesy but I’ve never been happier in my life; this race means so much to me.”

Conor Daly greatly impressed A.J. Foyt during his test with the outfit at Sebring in December, a test which featured many of IndyCar’s top drivers including Scott Dixon and Will Power. Even the Penske driver was impressed with both Conor Daly and Tristan Vautier’s performance during their first laps in an IZOD IndyCar Series machine, hence A.J. Foyt’s optimism ahead of the 97th Indianapolis 500. Last season A.J. Foyt racing endured a dismal Indianapolis 500, with both Mike Conway and Wade Cunningham retiring by Lap 78.

“He ran well at Sebring when we needed someone to do some testing in the offseason,” said A.J. Foyt, who became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times. “He was fast, smooth, and didn’t get in trouble. When we made a change on the car he felt it. I found him to be very savvy on the chassis setups. In fact, when we made a minor change which was really nothing, he thought about it and said it felt no different. I told him that was the right answer because we didn’t do anything he’d be able to feel, so that impressed me, too. I’ve run a lot of rookies at Indy and I think Conor will do a good job for us.”

Conor Daly will complete his first laps around the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway on April 11th, when the American driver is joined by fellow rookies A.J. Allmendinger, Tristan Vautier and Carlos Munoz in completing the Rookie Orientation Program. The opening day of the Indianapolis 500 is a month later on May 11th, with pole day on May 18th and the all-important 200-lap race on May 26th.

Picture(s) Copyright © Glenn Dunbar & Daniel Kalisz/GP3 Series Media Service

Luiz Razia Completes An All-GP2 Marussia 2013 Line-Up

Marussia have finally confirmed their second driver alongside Max Chilton, after weeks of speculation surrounding the vacant seat since Timo Glock’s sudden departure. 2012 GP2 runner-up Luiz Razia will complete the graduation up to Formula 1 alongside the Briton, in an all-GP2 line-up for the Banbury-based outfit.

Since Timo Glock’s abrupt departure to the DTM Series, Marussia have been searching for a replacement to team-mate new driver Max Chilton. Several drivers were instantly linked to the vacancy, including Russian driver Vitaly Petrov. However, as pre-season testing drew ever nearer, reports began to emerge linking Brazilian driver Luiz Razia to the Anglo-Russian outfit.

Luiz Razia enjoyed a rather prosperous season last year in the GP2 feeder category with Arden International, taking four wins and nine podium finishes on his way to runner-up in the Championship standings behind eventual Champion Davide Valsecchi. The 23-year-old has previously tested for numerous Formula 1 outfits including Team Lotus (now known as Caterham), Toro Rosso and Virgin Racing (now known as Marussia). This makes Razia no stranger to the Banbury-based outfit, and therefore only adds to the teams pleasure of seeing him return to the team.

“We are pleased to have concluded our driver line-up, which means that we can now focus all our attentions on what looks set to be a very promising 2013 season.” Explained John Booth, Marussia’s team principal. “Luiz isn’t new to our team of course, having been Reserve Driver in our debut season in 2010 and part of our Young Driver Programme. It is therefore very pleasing to have not one but two graduates of that Programme driving for us in 2013, and also very exciting, since both Luiz and Max demonstrated a great deal of potential competing alongside each other in GP2 last season.”

Luiz Razia is understandably thrilled with his “graduation” to the world of Formula 1, after several competitive seasons in GP2. The 23-year-old becomes the 31st Brazilian driver to enter Formula 1, and is already preparing to make his debut on track later today in the team’s new MR-02 machine during the second day of the Jerez test.

“It is fantastic to be back with the Marussia F1 Team and with pretty much the same group of people I worked with back in 2010 when I was Reserve Driver.” Enthused Luiz Razia, “I am very proud to take the step up to a Formula 1 race seat, particularly with the team I began this journey with, since they helped show me what it takes to progress to the highest level. The past two seasons in GP2 have been all about proving that I have what it takes and that I’m ready.

“I am looking forward to beginning that process in Jerez where we are testing the MR02 for the first time. This is an important year for the Marussia F1 Team in terms of maintaining the momentum from a very positive 2012 season. I look forward to making a valuable contribution to that.”

This announcement by Marussia leaves only one vacancy on the grid for the new season, with Force India still yet to confirm Paul di Resta’s team-mate for 2013. Numerous likely candidates include Jules Bianchi, Adrian Sutil, Vitaly Petrov and even James Rossiter who will drive the new VJM06 later today at Jerez.

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Giedo van der Garde Confirmed At Caterham For 2013

Giedo van der Garde has been confirmed at Caterham for 2013, in a move which will see the Dutchman team-mate Frenchman Charles Pic in a completely new driver line-up for the Leafield-based outfit. The 27-year-old completes his “graduation” within Caterham, after competing for the team’s GP2 outfit last year.

After weeks of speculation as to who would join Charles Pic at Caterham for the new season, which has seen the likes of Heikki Kovalainen, Vitaly Petrov and Bruno Senna all rumored to be within the mix at the outfit, it has finally been confirmed that the team’s 2012 reserve and GP2 driver will be promoted to a full-time race seat. During the Dutchman’s previous year, he secured two race victories and six podium finishes in the GP2 feeder series.

With Giedo van der Garde now confirmed at Caterham, a staggering twelve drivers’ on the 2013 grid have all found their way to Formula 1 either via the GP2 or GP3 category. For the first time this season, Formula 1 will feature two GP3 drivers in Valtteri Bottas and Esteban Gutierrez, both of whom were Champions of the category. Giedo van der Garde is understandably thrilled with his confirmation at Caterham for 2013, and believes he is fully ready for the big step up the motor sport ladder.

“I am absolutely delighted to confirm that I will be racing in the 2013 F1 World Championship with Caterham F1 Team.” Enthused Giedo van der Garde, “I know I am ready to take the step up to F1 and all the work I have done throughout my career, and particularly in the last year with this team, has brought me to my ultimate goal. Throughout 2012 I was able to fully integrate myself into the team, both through the FP1 sessions I ran at a number of tracks that were then new to me, and as Reserve Driver, fully embedded with the team throughout the season. Now I can continue to learn at the highest level of motorsport and show that I am ready for F1. I cannot wait to start work.”

This confirmation by Caterham leaves only Marussia and Force India as the two remaining teams on the grid yet to confirm their complete driver line-up, however it is widely rumored that GP2 driver Luiz Razia will sign for Marussia alongside Max Chilton. This eventuality would make Charles Pic the most experienced driver at the rear of the grid, and would add another GP2 driver to the already high tally on the grid. Caterham will unveil their new CT02 machine on Tuesday at Jerez, ahead of the start of pre-season testing.

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Sebastien Buemi To Remain As Red Bull’s Reserve And Test Driver

Reigning Constructors’ Champions Red Bull have confirmed that Swiss driver Sebastien Buemi will remain the team’s reserve and test driver for the forthcoming season, as the Milton Keynes-based outfit aim to once again assert their authority over proceedings. Buemi will once again work alongside Vettel and Webber at the team.

After being replaced at Red Bull’s sister outfit Toro Rosso ahead of the 2012 season, Sebastien Buemi was confirmed as Red Bull’s reserve and test driver as Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne began their respective campaign’s at Toro Rosso. Throughout the season, Buemi worked hard with the development of the RB8, which eventually secured Red Bull’s third successive Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championship. Despite Buemi’s continued search for a full-time drive in Formula 1, the 24-year-old is eager to continue assisting Red Bull in 2013.

“I know everyone at Red Bull Racing well and it’s good to remain with the team for another year.” Explained Sebastien Buemi, “Of course my aim is to be driving at the races again, but I am still learning all the time from my work with the team. I help with the development of the car and provide feedback throughout the season, both at the factory and at races.”

Sebastien Buemi joined the Red Bull Junior Team back in 2004, several years before his first test in Formula 1 machinery in 2007 with Red Bull at Jerez. After several seasons in GP2 and further tests with both Red Bull and Toro Rosso, the Swiss driver secured a drive with the Faenza-based outfit in 2009.

However, after the 2011 season both he and his team-mate Jaime Alguersuari were replaced by Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo. Despite his sudden departure from a full-time race seat, Sebastien Buemi is seen as a valuable asset by Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner.

“We’re pleased that Sébastien has continued as test and reserve driver for the coming season.” Said Christian Horner, “He joined the Red Bull Junior Team in 2004, has worked with Red Bull Racing in 2008 and 2012 and has significant race experience. He is an integral member of the team and will complete important simulation work for us throughout the year.”

Red Bull’s 2013 challenger will be unveiled to the world of Formula 1 on February 3rd at their Milton Keynes factory, prior to the start of pre-season testing at Jerez several days later. As Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber battle for Championship supremacy in the coming season, Sebastien Buemi will unquestionably be hard at work back at the factory assisting the team as the strive to remain atop the F1 ladder.

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