Vitaly Petrov Looking Unlikely To Drive For Caterham In 2013

Vitaly Petrov’s future in Formula 1 has taken another blow amid continued speculation regarding the second seat at Caterham for the 2013 season, with reports indicating that communication between the two parties has stalled. Currently only Charles Pic has been confirmed at Caterham, with a team-mate still unconfirmed.

With only one seat remaining at the Leafield-based outfit, speculation is ripe within the Formula 1 fraternity as to who will be selected to team-mate Charles Pic. Both former Caterham drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Vitaly Petrov have been linked to the drive, alongside others such as former Williams driver Bruno Senna and GP2 driver Giedo van der Garde. With Heikki Kovalainen looking unlikely to be retained at Caterham, Vitaly Petrov has recently emerged as the more likely candidate to partner the young Frenchman.

However, Vitaly Petrov’s manager Oksana Kosachenko has recently confirmed that negotiations between the 28-year-old and Caterham have stalled. Kosachenko has also explained how Vitaly Petrov has still been unable to procure new sponsorship deals for the coming season, a fact which could seriously jeopardise any plans for 2013 and beyond for Petrov.

“At the moment there are a lot of unanswered questions,” explained Oksana Kosachenko to R-Sport. “There are too many nuances that need to be sorted out. We’re at the waiting stage, which is linked to the team’s restructuring. We completely depend on them and can’t speed anything up. So far, we haven’t managed to find new sponsors.”

Caterham’s Group Technical Officer, Mike Gascoyne, has also fueled speculation that Vitaly Petrov will not be retained for the coming season. The Englishman, who has worked for both Jordan, Renault and Force India has worked his way up through the ranks within Caterham, and has hinted that the Leafield-based outfit are looking for a younger driver instead of an experienced driver such as Heikki Kovalainen or Vitaly Petrov.

Picture Copyright © Caterham F1 Team

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

Sauber To Retain Telmex Sponsorship For 2013

Sauber have announced they will retain their sponsorship deal with Mexican telecommunications company Telmex, regardless of the fact that Sergio Perez will leave the team next season for McLaren. This has now sparked speculation that GP2 driver, Esteban Gutierrez, could receive a full-time drive within the team.

After it was confirmed that Sergio Perez would replace Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, rumors instantly began to circulate the paddock that Telmex could follow Perez to the Woking-based outfit. The large telecommunications company entered a partnership with Sauber in 2011, only when Sergio Perez graduated from GP2 to Formula 1. With Telmex having sponsored the Mexican driver throughout his GP2 career, it seemed almost certain that the company would continue to support his career in the sport.

However, as this unique Formula 1 season enters its closing stages, Telmex have confirmed their allegiance to the Hinwil-based outfit. With Sauber having run fellow Mexican driver Esteban Gutierrez on numerous occasions, rumors within the paddock have immediately gathered momentum that the 21-year-old Mexican could be the driver to place Perez at Sauber. Although Sauber’s CEO, Monisha Kaltenborn, failed to hint at who would be driving for the outfit next season, she explained how Telmex confirmed their loyalty to the Swiss outfit after Perez’s announcement.

“We were informed by Telmex about this change, and Telmex also told us that for them they have a long-term project with Sauber, and this will not be affected by Sergio leaving the team,” explained Monisha Kaltenborn, as Sauber began preparations for the Japanese Grand Prix. “They have an overall vision regarding motorsports – which is not only their racing school. They want to establish motorsport more in that part of the world. They also use F1 as a marketing platform with the enormous brands that they have, so I think they really have a proper big vision with motorsport involvement in that area. So it is a bigger picture, and we fit in very well with what we have done with their drivers.”

Sergio Perez became only the second driver in the history of the sport from Mexico to step onto the podium this season, and has unarguably rekindled Mexico’s love with Formula 1. With Perez on his way to McLaren, it’s only a matter of time before the South American nation have their second race winner in Formula 1.

Picture Copyright © Sauber Motorsport AG

Ryan Hunter-Reay Signs New Deal With Andretti Autosport

Ryan Hunter-Reay has secured himself a new deal with Andretti Autosport for the next two seasons in the IZOD IndyCar Series, ahead of this evening’s season finale around the 2-mile Auto Club Speedway. The 31-year-old American is currently 2nd in the Drivers’ Championship, with a slim chance of clinching the title in this evening’s race.

Since making the switch from ChampCar in 2007, Ryan Hunter-Reay has quickly established himself as one of the top drivers in the IndyCar Series. After joining Andretti Autosport for the 2010 season, Hunter-Reay has taken six victories for the outfit. Four of those have come this season, with Hunter-Reay still a Championship contender alongside Will Power heading into this evening’s finale.

Although there was speculation floating around the IndyCar paddock that Hunter-Reay could jump ship once again, the Texan has finally put pen to paper and signed for a further two seasons at Andretti Autosport. The team, owned by former IndyCar and Formula 1 driver Michael Andretti, last won the Championship back in 2007 with Dario Franchitti.

“I have a lot of deep rooted relationships with the team and the team sponsors and I’m looking forward to continuing and further developing those relationships,” explained Ryan Hunter-Reay, who is currently locked in the Championship battle with Will Power. “I’m happy to be able to enjoy the off-season knowing what the next two years hold.”

It is believed that Hunter-Reay’s current team-mates, Marco Andretti and James Hinchcliffe, will also remain with the outfit next season. Marco Andretti has been an Andretti Autosport driver since his debut in the Series back in 2006, largely thanks to his family ties within the team. Ryan Hunter-Reay will be looking to celebrate his new deal with the team this evening, as he strives to take his first IndyCar Championship.

Picture Copyright © Getty Images

Bernie Ecclestone Says Deal Is Done For French GP Return

Formula 1 Supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, has reignited belief that the French Grand Prix will finally return to the F1 calendar next season, with a race at the Paul Ricard circuit in Le Castellet. Ecclestone has spoken out, stating the deal is done for Formula 1 to return to its birthplace.

Since 2008, the French Grand Prix has been absent from the F1 calendar. However, this is set to change in 2013 as F1 will return to the Paul Ricard circuit for the first time since 1990, before the race was moved to the Magny-Cours circuit.

However, this joyful news could well come at a cost of the Belgian Grand Prix at the majestic Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Even though the race in which France will alternate with has yet to be officially confirmed, the Belgian Grand Prix is the only race which has been rumored in alternating with France.

It has been speculated that the French Grand Prix will return on the full 5.809km Paul Ricard circuit, and will host its first race in 2013 and every second year afterwards on a five race deal until 2021.

“The deal is done,” Explained Bernie Ecclestone. “We actually agreed on financial terms with the sports minister, David Douillet, in my office last Tuesday. We are still discussing a few points about money around the race, ‘You give me this, I want that’ and so on. But, for me, there is no doubt that we will sort it all out.”

When and if the race goes ahead, it will be the 87th running of the French Grand Prix, the first being held in 1906 at Le Mans. Michael Schumacher has won the event the most times, a whopping eight times in total.

Picture Copyright © Force India F1 Team 

Firestone Extends IndyCar Deal

Firestone have extended their deal to continue as the sole IndyCar tyre supplier until the 2014 season, as well staying as the title sponsor of the IndyCar feeder series Indy Lights. It has been the sole tyre supplier since 2000 and has been part of IndyCar since the series’ debut year in 1996.

As well as supplying tyres for the IndyCar Series and staying as the title sponsor to Indy Lights, Firestone will also remain the title sponsor of the Firestone 550 at the Texas Motor Speedway, which will host the 7th Round of the 2012 IndyCar Series.

“Firestone continues to be a great fit for our sport, carrying on a 100 year-old tradition that began at Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” explained IndyCar CEO, Randy Bernhard. “When our new car takes its first competitive laps on the streets of St. Petersburg in March, all of our drivers will take great pride in knowing that they have a reliable tire designed to maximize performance.”

With this new agreement, Firestone will also have an increased presence at the IZOD IndyCar Series Fan Village.

Picture Copyright © LAT Photographic

Rubens Barrichello Closes In On IndyCar Deal

Formula 1 veteran Rubens Barrichello has moved closer to signing a deal to race in IndyCar in 2012 with KV Racing Technology, with the Brazilian set to test again for the team next week.

After loosing his seat at Williams to fellow countryman Bruno Senna, Barrichello joined KV Racing Technology at a test session at Sebring earlier this month. After three days of testing, Barrichello seemed fairly happy with his progress in the new Dallara DW12 chassis and didn’t rule out a possible move from F1 to IndyCar.

However it has now become apparent that Barrichello has closed in on a deal with KV Racing Technology, with sponsors the only thing the Brazilian is waiting for. Last week Barrichello stated he may only race in street and road courses, due to his wife’s fears of oval racing. Whether this is still the case is unknown.

Rubens Barrichello will take to the track again at Sears Point, otherwise known as Infineon Raceway, on the 25th-26th of February. Infineon Raceway will host the 14th Round of the 2012 IndyCar Series in August.

Picture Copyright © LAT Photography

Kimi Raikkonen Signs Two-Year Lotus Renault Deal

It has been officially confirmed that 2007 World Champion, Kimi Raikkonen, has signed a two-year deal with the Lotus Renault GP team which will next year be re-branded as the Lotus F1 Team. This comes only days after talks between Kimi Raikkonen and Williams fell through after reports he’d replace Rubens Barrichello.

The ‘Iceman’ left the sport in 2009 to race in the World Rally Championship full time, but lately he has disclosed that his hunger to return to F1 has become overwhelming. Raikkonen will be replacing the still injured Robert Kubica after he announced last week that he would not be ready to race in next seasons opener, the Australian Grand Prix in March. Raikkonen is the next driver in a long list of drivers who have stood in for Kubica as he replaces Bruno Senna, who had beforehand replaced Nick Heidfeld who before him had been the initial replacement for Kubica after his horrendous rally crash in February. 

Renault will pair Raikkonen with Vitaly Petrov next season, the Russian driver is set to start his third season in the sport with the team, his highest finishing position in his career so far 3rd at this seasons Australian Grand Prix. 

Kimi Raikkonen made his debut in 2001 with the Sauber team and scored a point in his first ever race in Australia. This was followed by two stunning 4th place finishes at the Austrian and Canadian Grands Prix as well as 5th at the British Grand Prix. With such a brilliant display of racing in his first season, he was signed by McLaren in 2002 after fellow Finn Mika Hakkinen retired from the sport. This season produced no win for Raikkonen, however it did produce his first ever podium finishes with 3rd at the Australian, European and Japanese Grands Prix. It was in the 2003 season that Raikkonen won his first ever race at the 2003 Malaysian Grand Prix, his only win of the season which was followed by no less than seven podiums throughout the remainder of the season.

Raikkonen has since gone on to win 17 more races as well as one World Championship in 2007, winning by only a point from the McLaren’s of then rookie Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. His other statistics thus far include 62 podiums, 16 pole-positions and 35 fastest laps. 

Kimi Raikkonen will be hoping to add to all of those totals in what will become Part 2 of the ‘Iceman’s” Formula 1 career.

McLaren Deny Future Honda Deal

In answer to the speculation that McLaren were seeking a Honda engine partnership for 2014, they have denied these allegations stating that they are fully committed to their Mercedes future, even though McLaren are now among the Mercedes works team and Force India to share the Mercedes engine partnership.

McLaren have also denied concerns that becoming simply a Mercedes customer team will affect their results, whereas Red Bull now have a complete works backing from Renault which will undeniably boost their teams reliability as they haven’t suffered an engine related failure since last years Korean Grand Prix when Sebastian Vettel had a violent engine blowout.

McLaren have also stipulated that although they are pleased with Mercedes’ improvement as a whole, they still enjoy beating their partners on track, as well as relating to their “formidable technical partnership’ of which they enjoy greatly. 

As formidable as their current Mercedes partnership maybe, it is undeniable that their Honda partnership of the late 80s to the early 90s was more successful and formidable as they completely annihilated the opposition throughout the 1988 season, winning all of the races bar the 1988 Italian Grand Prix and becoming World Champions four times back-to-back!

Either way McLaren will be hoping for a much stronger 2012 season as they hunt down the seemingly unstoppable force of Red Bull. 

McLaren Seeking 2014 Honda Engine Deal

It was reported today by a German magazine that the McLaren Formula One team are possibly seeking an engine deal with Honda in time for the 2014 season, this comes a few years after Honda pulled out of Formula One along with fellow teams Toyota and BMW.

This announcement would take place after 2012 when their engine partnership with Mercedes comes to an end, a partnership that has lasted for 16 years and has accomplished numerous success with drivers such as Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard, Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton winning races and championships with them.

McLaren were partners with the Japanese manufacturer from 1988 to 1992, and in those years they became World Constructors’ Champions a stunning four times, three with Ayrton Senna and one with Alain Prost. It was this period of the teams history when the bitter rivalry between Senna and Prost ignited, resulting in some of the most controversial events of Formula One’s history. 

When their ties with Honda ended in 1993, Ford came onboard and was replaced a year later by Peugeot before McLaren finally partnered themselves with Mercedes. As long as McLaren have had engines supplied by the German manufacturer, they have only ever been World Constructors’ Champions once, that being in 1998 when Mika Hakkinen won the first of his two championships.

However, in 2009 Mercedes sold their stake in the McLaren team when they bought 2009 World Champions Brawn GP, becoming what is now the silver arrows of Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg. As well as this Mercedes also power the Force India team, a partnership that has been ongoing since 2009 after Force India stopped using Ferrari engines. 

Honda left the sport in 2008 after taking over the British American Racing (BAR) team in 2006, and for three years raced with the same two drivers of Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, winning only one race in the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix with Button. However in the winter of 2008 it was announced that due to financial difficulties Honda had left the sport, leaving Button and Barrichello without a drive for 2009. However ex-Honda team principal, Ross Brawn, took over and created the Brawn GP team which went on and became surprise 2009 World Drivers’ and Constructors‘ Champions (ironically supplied by Mercedes engines)!.

McLaren were unable to comment on these speculations today.