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Post by Anna on Sept 2, 2011 19:27:10 GMT
Current Driver / Seat Situation 2013 THE LIST HAS BEEN UPDATED FOR THE 2012 SEASON
Red Bull Racing 1 Sebastian VETTEL 2 Mark WEBBER
McLaren 3 Jenson BUTTON 4 Lewis HAMILTON
Ferrari 5 Fernando ALONSO 6 Felipe MASSA
Mercedes 7 Michael SCHUMACHER 8 Nico ROSBERG
Lotus + Formerly Team Renault 9 Kimi RAIKKONEN 10 Romain GROSJEAN
Force India 11 Paul DI RESTA 12 Nico HULKENBERG
Sauber 14 Kamui KOBAYASHI 15 Sergio PEREZ
Scuderia Toro Rosso 16 Daniel RICCIARDO 17 Jean-Eric VERGNE
Williams 18 Bruno SENNA 19 Pastor MALDONADO
Caterham Formerly Team Lotus 20 Heikki KOVALAINEN 21 Jarno TRULLI
Hispania 22 Pedro DE LA ROSA 23 Narian KARTHIKEYAN
Marussia Formerly Team Virgin 24 Timo GLOCK CONFIRMED 25 Charles PIC CONFIRMED
2011 Drivers that have left Narian KARTHIKEYAN Replaced mid-season Nick HEIDFELD Replaced mid-season Jerome d'AMBROSIO
Former F1 drivers returning for 2012 Pedro DE LA ROSA Kimi RAIKKONEN
2012 New Drivers Charles PIC
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Amanda
F1 Fanatic
#WINNING
Posts: 213
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Post by Amanda on Sept 6, 2011 14:01:55 GMT
Narain Karthikeyan confirms Indian GP return with new backer By Matt Beer Monday, September 5th 2011, 09:32 GMT
Narain Karthikeyan's return to the HRT cockpit for the Indian Grand Prix has been all but confirmed after he sealed a sponsorship deal with Hero Motors for the event.
Karthikeyan was dropped from the HRT race line-up in favour of Red Bull protege Daniel Ricciardo from the British Grand Prix onwards, although it was always anticipated that he might be brought back in for the inaugural Indian GP on 30 October. He has continued to work with the team as a Friday driver even after losing his race seat.
Indian manufacturing business conglomerate Hero Motors has now announced that it will back Karthikeyan and HRT in the Indian race - a move that Karthikeyan hopes will help to further spur interest in Formula 1 in his nation.
"Today is a very important step in the right direction for motorsports in the country," he said. "The sport has come a long way since the day I started racing. Viewership has gone up a lot, and corporate support is now more forthcoming.
"Formula 1 is in its nascent stage in India with great potential waiting to be explored. I hope with the support from Hero Motors we will be able to scale new milestones in the times to come."
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Post by victor on Sept 6, 2011 14:44:07 GMT
So that means Karun will also be in car for India?
And who will he replace? I guess Karthikeyan will replace Tonio because Red Bull will not like Daniel being replaced.
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Post by Anna on Sept 6, 2011 14:56:58 GMT
Agreed that it'll be Tonio. I'm guessing Tonio has less sponsership and Daniel is Red Bulls protegee. Makes more sense to be Tonio.
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Amanda
F1 Fanatic
#WINNING
Posts: 213
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Post by Amanda on Sept 6, 2011 15:14:59 GMT
Ok, I GET that Hispania need to keep ontop of money over on top of talent, and to be fair Narian is a bit meh-ish when it comes to talent whilst Daniel is possibly a future world champion. I get it, I don't mind it as much as others do.
What I do mind is if Karun shows up in India with a race seat. I didn't see the point of him racing for Jarno the last time he was in Jarno's car. Ok Jarno is struggling, but the thing is everyone KNOWS why Jarno is struggling, just because the team can't get that ONE BIT right for him doesn't stop the fact we have HARD FACTS to why Jarno has been struggling. Karun being in the car I don't think helped/changed anything. If he shows up at India I don't get, when the team is as popular as they are ANYWAY, why they'd abandon two brilliant racing drivers who are working hard and doing their best with someone who just... Isn't as experienced. Yeah maybe its to get a bit of money out of the Indian GP I just personally don't like it.
Not that Karun will. I'm just saying in advanced.
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Post by victor on Sept 6, 2011 15:18:03 GMT
I do not want to see Daniel replaced. He is a very good driver and he needs all the time in the car this season.
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Post by r1ch91 on Sept 11, 2011 9:46:15 GMT
Jarno Trulli to stay at Lotus for 2012 after contract extension By Jonathan Noble Sunday, September 11th 2011, 07:39 GMT
Jarno Trulli will remain at Team Lotus for 2012, after the Hingham-based outfit announced on Sunday that the Italian had extended his contract.
The Italian joined Team Lotus for its inaugural campaign in 2010 and has played a major role in helping develop the outfit over the past two seasons.
Speaking about his new deal, Trulli said: "I am very pleased that we have been able to confirm today that my contract with Team Lotus has been extended into 2012. The challenge I first accepted when I joined the team is becoming more exciting every day, and I am very proud that I can keep helping the team take steps forward for at least another year."
Team principal Tony Fernandes, who made a big push during the formation of his outfit in going for experienced drivers like Trulli, said: "We are all delighted that we have been able to reach an agreement to keep Jarno on board for at least one more year with our team.
"He has shown in qualifying in Monza just how much pace he has and how he can wring every last drop of performance out of his car and since day one with us he has brought a level of professionalism, insight and raw speed to our team that has helped accelerate our development on and off track.
"Today's announcement will give us the benefit of his experience and knowledge into 2012, another very important year in the growth of our team."
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Post by Anna on Sept 12, 2011 16:10:42 GMT
Chandhok could replace Trulli in India - Fernandes
The Malaysian entrepreneur admitted it will be Trulli to step aside
Monday 12 September 2011 - 15h51, by GMM There could be a second Indian on the grid in Delhi next month, Team Lotus boss Tony Fernandes admits.
It has already emerged that Narain Karthikeyan will be reunited with his HRT cockpit when India stages its inaugural formula one race.
And his countryman Chandhok, who has already replaced Jarno Trulli this year at the Nurburgring, could be a second Indian racing around the new Buddh circuit.
"I’d like him to. It’s up to the team to see," Fernandes is quoted by Reuters.
The Malaysian entrepreneur admitted it will be Trulli to step aside should Chandhok, Team Lotus’ reserve and occasional Friday driver, be given the green light for India.
"Yes, I think Heikki (Kovalainen) is our number one driver, although Jarno’s outqualified him here," Fernandes said at Monza.
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Post by Anna on Sept 12, 2011 16:11:17 GMT
Swiss Leimer could be F1’s next rookie
Intensive negotiations with several F1 teams
Monday 12 September 2011 - 10h55, by GMM Fabio Leimer could be a formula one race rookie in 2012.
The Sonntagsblick newspaper reports that the 22-year-old Swiss’ career is backed by Rainer Gantenbein, who says he has spent more than $17 million already.
Leimer is currently ranked 14th in the GP2 championship.
The Swiss newspaper said Gantenbein is in "intensive negotiations with several F1 teams" about the 2012 season.
"If Virgin demands five million (Swiss) francs, then that is what I will raise," he said at Monza.
The first step for Leimer will be his debut F1 drive during the young drivers’ test session in Abu Dhabi after the penultimate grand prix of the season.
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Post by Anna on Sept 12, 2011 16:11:36 GMT
Reports say Kovalainen also staying at Team Lotus
"Kovalainen has a contract with the team until 2013"
Monday 12 September 2011 - 09h15, by GMM Heikki Kovalainen’s place at Team Lotus is secure not only next year but also for 2013.
That is the claim of two authoritative publications in the wake of Sunday’s news that the Finn’s teammate Jarno Trulli is staying put for 2012.
The media statement issued by the Tony Fernandes-led team at Monza made no mention of Kovalainen’s status at Team Lotus for next season.
But the Finnish newspaper insists the 29-year-old was not mentioned because "Kovalainen has a contract with the team until 2013".
Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport added: "Kovalainen signed a long term contract last year. So on the drivers’ side (for 2012), everything stays the same."
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Post by Anna on Sept 12, 2011 16:12:01 GMT
Mercedes offers Rosberg new three-year deal
"When I see what’s happening in the factory, I’m very confident"
Sunday 11 September 2011 - 09h25, by GMM Nico Rosberg has been offered a new contract to keep him at Mercedes GP for at least four more years.
That is the claim on Sunday of the German Bild am Sonntag newspaper, adding that negotiations between the Brackley based team and the 26-year-old driver are "ongoing".
The German marque’s Norbert Haug said: "Nico and Mercedes are interested in a very long term cooperation."
Rosberg’s current contract runs until the end of next year. He says he is sure Mercedes will soon build him a winning car.
"When I see what’s happening in the factory, I’m very confident," said the German.
Should Rosberg accept Mercedes’ new offer, he would therefore not be available to switch to Ferrari or Red Bull when Felipe Massa and Mark Webber’s current deals expire.
His teammate Michael Schumacher’s contract also runs out next year.
The seven time world champion told Kleine Zeitung newspaper at Monza: "I will definitely be here next year, then we will see what happens."
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Post by Anna on Sept 15, 2011 20:37:40 GMT
Marko says ’too early’ to decide Toro Rosso lineup
"It is too early to have any serious thoughts"
Thursday 15 September 2011 - 10h25, by GMM Jaime Alguersuari has this week admitted he has no idea if he will be kept by Toro Rosso for the 2012 season.
But as he launched his debut electronic music single in Barcelona, he told the sports daily AS: "I’m not nervous as it has always worked out for me.
"From the age of 15 I have never known what I will be doing (the following year) until the end."
The Spaniard admits, however, to frustration that Red Bull re-signed 35-year-old Australian Mark Webber to be Sebastian Vettel’s teammate at the premier team.
"I have nothing against him but it closes the doors at Red Bull and also stops the flow from the junior team," said the 21-year-old.
That is not entirely true, given that Dr Helmut Marko is reportedly considering simply dropping either Alguersuari or Sebastien Buemi, or both, and promoting Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne.
But Alguersuari thinks Marko should keep both him and Swiss Buemi for 2012.
He describes Buemi as "one of the best teammates I have ever had in my life. He deserves to be there."
Alguersuari told El Mundo newspaper: "So far I have no place for next year, I haven’t spoken to anyone at Toro Rosso about next season".
"What I want is a car that allows me to be in front and winning races because I think I deserve it. I don’t like fighting to be sixteenth. I don’t make excuses but Vettel can brake 20 metres later with his car."
22-year-old Buemi is also waiting to know his fate for 2012. "I have learned to live with the pressure for three years," he is quoted by the Swiss newspaper Blick.
Red Bull driver manager Marko insisted: "It is too early to have any serious thoughts (about 2012)."
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Post by Anna on Sept 15, 2011 20:38:32 GMT
Renault could snub Kubica, Petrov for 2012 - report
"The question is whether Gerard Lopez and Eric Boullier want to wait that long"
Thursday 15 September 2011 - 10h01, by GMM It is possible both Robert Kubica and Vitaly Petrov will not feature in next year’s Renault team lineup.
That is the claim of the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, reporting that Bruno Senna and Romain Grosjean are in the running for the 2012 race seats.
Pole Kubica is recovering from injury at present and hoping to be ready to start driving once again as early as next month.
The report said he will start his comeback in a road car and possibly then move into a Renault single seater designed for the World Series or GP2.
"The question is whether Gerard Lopez and Eric Boullier want to wait that long," said Auto Motor und Sport.
Kubica currently has no contract for the 2012 season, with team boss Boullier warning at Monza that he needs to finalise the team’s lineup soon.
Kubica’s 2010 teammate Vitaly Petrov, on the other hand, has a contract for next season.
But Auto Motor und Sport refers to "rumours that the team could go with Bruno Senna and Romain Grosjean in 2012".
Referring to Senna, who has already replaced Kubica’s initial 2011 substitute Nick Heidfeld, the report said the "potential to find sponsors is greater in Brazil than it is in Russia".
New GP2 champion and Frenchman Grosjean, meanwhile, can be signed "at a discount price, with the hope of getting a subsidy from Renault for the engine".
Russian Petrov said at Monza that he is not worried.
"My contract is safe for next year," he insisted.
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Post by Anna on Sept 17, 2011 14:00:44 GMT
Karthikeyan confirmed for Indian GP
He will return to the HRT cockpit in Singapore
Saturday 17 September 2011 - 13h08, by Olivier Ferret HRT F1 team has announced that Indian driver Narain Karthikeyan will be back in the cockpit during Friday’s first practice session at the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix. He will be driving at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix scheduled for 28-30 October.
Karthikeyan will be back in the thick of the action as he gets behind the wheel of the HRT F111 F1 car during Friday’s first free practice session at the challenging 5.073-km Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore – the only night race on the Formula 1 calendar.
HRT Team Principal Colin Kolles commented: “It is great to have Narain back in the car as it will give him critical seat time before he drives at the Indian GP. He is the best driver to come out of the region and is undoubtedly extremely talented as he has proved through his progress this season”.
Narain Karthikeyan is expectedly delighted at the prospect of returning behind the wheel. "Of course it’s a great feeling to be driving on a Grand Prix weekend once again, and on the subject of my home Grand Prix of India, the team had assured me that I’d be driving when I stepped out of my seat after the European GP. The Singapore circuit will definitely be a challenge as it is new to me so I’ll have to get to grips with it fairly quickly. From what I know, it is a very demanding race physically, not only because of the temperatures and humidity but also being a high-speed street circuit it is extremely bumpy. Like any other street circuit, grip builds up through the weekend and car-setup will have to be constantly evolved to get the best out of it. Overall, it is a great place to return to race proceedings, and will go a long way to get me back in the rhythm for the Indian GP. Also my sincere thanks to my ever faithful sponsor the Tata Group, and recent su pport from both Hero Motors and Base batteries".
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Post by victor on Sept 17, 2011 15:55:43 GMT
Well I am less unhappy about Karthikeyan after all he started the season with the team. I would be more upset if it came out that Karun had a place in India.
As for Renault, I understand their concerns, you do not know how Robert will be when he returns, it is sad to say but it is not 100% that he will return in any state to be in F1. Renault have a hard decision to make, the only problems I have is that they promised Robert his seat when he was ready to come back, now they say they want to wait and see.
But why not Vitaly? Why put Bruno and Grosjean in the team? Bruno might do well but Vitaly has been doing a good job for the whole year not a few races. Grosjean I understand because Eric wants to bring back the French connection to F1, but why put him next to Bruno? Even if Bruno does well. I'd hate to see Bruno only in F1 due to sponsership but he has a lot to prove in the last races to prove he really deserve to be in that seat over Vitaly. Vitaly has had a decent rookie year and a just above decent second year in F1 and I will be sad to see him out if it is to do with sponsers.
The only thing I want is for Eric to be honest. I get annoyed with listening to his PR speech and leaving fans baffled by the inconsistant statements.
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