Andre Lotterer linked to Caterham F1 drive for Belgian GP
Three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Andre Lotterer could make a surprise Formula 1 debut with Caterham at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix
AUTOSPORT understands that the 32-year-old German, who has most recently enjoyed success as an Audi factory LMP1 driver and in the Japanese Super Formula championship, is in contention to secure a drive for the Leafield-based team at Spa-Francorchamps.
Caterham is undergoing a restructure under new owners, and the outfit made it clear in recent weeks that it was open to the possibility of changing its driver line-up.
It is also eager to shake things up in its bid to secure 10th place in the constructors' championship, with the team due to deliver a major upgrade package to its car this weekend.
One option being considered is for Lotterer to be brought in to create a fresh dynamic on the driving front.
It is likely he would replace Kamui Kobayashi, who has been told that there are no guarantees he will retain his seat until the end of the campaign.
A deal is not in place yet though, and it remains possible that the team could retain its current drivers in the event that an agreement with Lotterer cannot be reached.
Lotterer has not been behind the wheel of a contemporary F1 car since his time as a Jaguar test driver more than a decade ago, having had numerous outings for the team between 2000 and '02.
However, his recent frontrunning performances in Super Formula, including the 2011 title, mean he has plenty of recent single-seater experience.
If the German is to take part at Spa, however, he will need releasing from his commitments in Japan with TOM'S, with a race due to take place at Motegi this weekend, as well as well get permission from Audi, which he races with in the World Endurance Championship.
He will also need to get a Super Licence, which he qualifies for having finished as runner-up of the Super Formula Championship last year.
Lotterer won Le Mans in 2011-12 and this year, and took the WEC title in 2012.
F1 teams need advance warning over 18-inch wheel move - Allison
Max Verstappen to race with Toro Rosso F1 team in 2015
The “glorified taxi” driver central to F1’s continued safety push
As the driver of Formula 1’s medical car, Alan van der Merwe’s job is to wait – and hope his skills aren’t needed. JAMES NEWBOLD hears from F1’s lesser-known stalwarts
When BMW added F1 'rocket fuel' to ignite Brabham's 1983 title push
There was an ace up the sleeve during the 1983 F1 title-winning season of Nelson Piquet and Brabham. It made a frontrunning car invincible for the last three races to see off Renault's Alain Prost and secure the combination's second world title in three years
How “abysmal” reliability blunted Brabham’s first winner
Brabham’s first world championship race-winning car was held back by unreliable Climax engines – or so its creators believed, as STUART CODLING explains
The steps Norris took to reach a new level in F1 2021
Lando Norris came of age as a grand prix driver in 2021. McLaren’s young ace is no longer an apprentice or a quietly capable number two – he’s proved himself a potential winner in the top flight and, as STUART CODLING finds out, he’s ready to stake his claim to greatness…
The original F1 maestro who set the bar for Schumacher and Hamilton
Juan Manuel Fangio, peerless on track and charming off it, established the gold standard of grand prix greatness. NIGEL ROEBUCK recalls a remarkable champion
How Russell sees his place in the Mercedes-Hamilton F1 superteam
George Russell joining Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes this year gives it arguably the best line-up in Formula 1 – if it can avoid too many fireworks. After serving his apprenticeship at Williams, Russell is the man that Mercedes team believes can lead it in the post-Hamilton era, but how will he fare against the seven-time champion? Autosport heard from the man himself
How F1 pulled off its second pandemic season and its 2022 implications
OPINION: The Formula 1 season just gone was the second to be completed under the dreaded shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, but in many ways it was much more ‘normal’ than 2020. Here’s the story of how the championship’s various organisers delivered a second challenging campaign, which offers a glimpse at what may be different next time around
The adapt or die mentality that will shape F1's future
As attitudes towards the motor car and what powers it change, Formula 1 must adapt its offering. MARK GALLAGHER ponders the end of fossil fuels