2014: Chilton, Pic, and van der Garde waiting, Ericsson in the running?
The transfer market is in full swing at the moment, especially at the back of the grid with Marussia and Caterham, where only Jules Bianchi has been confirmed. The Frenchman does not yet know the name of his future teammate or his future rivals at the green and yellow team.
While Jules Bianchi was confirmed to stay with Marussia for another year some time ago, the identity of his teammate remains unknown.
Kevin Magnussen has often been mentioned as a serious contender, but with the Dane having been signed by the McLaren team, the second seat seems to be promised to Max Chilton – who has also been mentioned in discussions with Force India – which would offer Marussia some stability with the numerous changes planned for 2014.
The Briton, questioned at the FIA press conference in Interlagos, did not wish to elaborate on rumors about his future, but he would like to continue for another year with the Russian team: « I will not speculate more than what has already been done. We have had several discussions [with teams] in recent weeks and I am happy about that, they went well so I am looking forward to returning next year hopefully and having a bit more luck. Marussia has been great for me. They gave me a chance to enter Formula 1 […] but the car seems to be good for next year. When big regulatory changes come into effect in Formula 1, it gives smaller teams a fighting chance. So I am looking forward to Australia next year, I hope. »
It’s not just at Marussia that the future of the drivers is still undefined; indeed, it’s the same situation at Caterham as no drivers have been announced for the 2014 season. Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde, the current drivers, each have a significant budget but are not the only ones in the running.
Still during the FIA press conference, the Dutch driver – supported notably by McGregor – explained that his management was in discussions for 2014 but for now, nothing is done: « Well, I can’t tell you anything at the moment. My management team is very busy right now. Hopefully, they can do a good job. I think I proved my worth during the latter part of the season and I think I did a very good job, so hopefully, I will still be there next year. »
The same observation applies to Charles Pic, who benefits from the support of Renault and EADS. The Frenchman, interviewed during yesterday’s press conference in Interlagos, hopes to continue with Caterham but wouldn’t mind a move to a more prestigious team: « For next year, I think the logical thing would be for me to stay with Caterham, but it’s not certain. I think there are still many seats available for next year, so nothing is certain for the moment, so we will see. »
Pic and van der Garde are not the only candidates for a seat at Caterham; we must not forget Heikki Kovalainen – even if he does not bring a budget and he also seems to be in contention for Lotus. A new candidate has emerged in recent days as well, Marcus Ericsson.
The Swede, who has been with GP2 for four seasons now, is reportedly in contact with Caterham for the next season, according to BBC Sport. Ericsson benefits from financial backing, which could work in his favor with the Caterham F1 team, according to the British media.
