Caterham have confirmed that German racer Andre Lotterer will drive for the team at the Belgian Grand Prix.
In a statement issued earlier today the team said they will benefit from the experience Lotterer brings to the team, and that the feedback the German provides will continue to improve the car’s performance.
Lotterer is an accomplished racer, having won the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race on three occasions, and picked up the Japanese Super GT Championship in 2006 and 2009. He also has single seater experience testing for the former Jaguar Formula One Team in 2002, and racing in the Formula Nippon series.
Although Lotterer will take Kamui Kobayashi’s seat for this round of the Championship, Caterham say Kobayashi remains part of the team.
Lotterer said that he was excited and grateful for the opportunity.
“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to take part in a Formula One race weekend – I want to thank Caterham F1 Team for this chance. I’m ready for this challenge and I cannot wait to jump in the car and make the most out of the weekend ahead.”
“I will need to get settled and used to the car quickly, as the team has worked on a number of updates and we will need to have as much time as possible out on track to optimise the car’s performance.”
“I really enjoy racing at the legendary circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, it’s one of my favourite tracks and it’s very close to where I grew up, so this makes the weekend even more special and one to remember.”
Much attention will be focussed on Caterham at Spa, as they debut not only a new driver, but a number of upgrades to the cars.
The prize-money stakes in the fight for 10th place in the Constructors’ Standings are high. With Marussia scoring points in Monaco, the battle of the back-markers is one to follow for the second half of the season.
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