Leafield (England), Jan 21 (IANS): Japanese Kamui Kobayashi and Swede Marcus Ericsson will drive for Caterham in the 2014 Formula 1 season. The team has opted for an all new line-up by leaving out Dutchman Giedo van der Garde and French driver Charles Pic.
Kobayashi joins the Britain-based team after one season out of F1, rejoining the sport as it heads towards a new era with all-new rules for the season ahead. He will partner rookie Ericsson, who did four seasons of GP2 from 2010-2013. Alexander Rossi has been named as a reserve for another season.
Team boss Cyril Abiteboul said Tuesday: "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 fulfil his obvious potential in Formula One," he added.
Kobayashi said: “It’s a great feeling to be back in F1 and I’m really pleased it’s with Caterham. We’ve been talking to Cyril and Tony since last year about driving for the team for 2014 and beyond and throughout all our discussions I’ve been very impressed with where they want to take the team, and how much investment has been made already to help them achieve their goals."
Marcus Ericsson said: “This is a very proud day for me and everyone who has helped make my F1 dream come true. I’ll be making the step up to F1 with Caterham and I’m already excited about the season ahead, and the first race in Australia in particular."
With the announcement Tuesday, the drivers' line-up for the 2014 season is complete.