Share

Caterham: 'Kobayashi is back for Monza'

MONZA, Italy - Caterham is set to announce Kamui Kobayashi's return to the cockpit for the 2024 Italian grand prix this weekend.

The Japanese was sidelined two weeks ago at Spa-Francorchamps, as reigning Le Mans winner Andre Lotterer and his sponsor Hype stepped into the green car.

Caterham's new management intended to run the Russian-backed Spanish rookie Roberto Merhi in Monza, but it emerges that the FIA only granted him permission to drive in Friday practice, given his F1 inexperience.

It is believed the team, headed by Colin Kolles, now fully intends to give the 23-year-old his race debut in Singapore, after the FIA is satisfied with Merhi's practice performance at high-speed Monza and grants him a super license.

Lotterer, who performed strongly at Spa but retired early from the race with a loss of power, has revealed he was offered the race seat for Italy but turned it down.

The Belgian-raised German and works Audi sports car driver, Lotterer, said: "When Colin Kolles told me on Tuesday (September 2) that Merhi would take my place for the first practice session, I changed my mind and told them I would not participate.

WRITING ON THE WALL

"I am a newcomer in Formula 1 and I need to drive."

Multiple sources are now reporting that Japanese Kobayashi, whose name is already showing above the Caterham garage at Monza, is en route to Italy.

The 27-year-old wrote in Japanese on Twitter: "I am headed to the country of pasta."

Kobayashi reportedly continues to lack adequate sponsorship for the seat, but Caterham has already run three drivers in 2014 and wants to keep the fourth open to Merhi for Singapore and beyond.

Stay with Wheels24 for the 2014 Italian GP this weekend.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()