Formula 1 2014 Driver Lineup Confirmed, Kobayashi Returns

The Formula One grid for 2014 has been confirmed going into next week’s test at Jerez. There are three rookies on the grid next year; plus Kamui Kobayashi will return.

The three new drivers are Kevin Magnussen at McLarenMcLarenUnited Kingdom, 1963 > present92 models
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, Daniil Kvyat at Toro RossoToro RossoItaly, 2006 > present10 models
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and Marcus Ericsson at CaterhamCaterhamUnited Kingdom, 1973 > present9 models
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. Kobayashi will also drive for Caterham.

Caterham will have an all-new team for 2014 with Kobayashi and Ericsson. Kobayashi took a year off from Formula One in 2013 because he could not find a seat. Instead, he raced for the AF Corse team in the GTE Pro class of the World Endurance Championship.

"It's a great feeling to be back as an F1 race driver and I'm really pleased it's with Caterham," said Kobayashi.

Ericsson has been racing in GP2 for four years, and his best year was 2013 when he finished sixth in the championship.

"I'll be making the step up to F1 with Caterham in 2014 and I'm already excited about the season ahead, and the first race in Australia in particular,” said Ericsson.

Magnussen has raced for two seasons in the Formula RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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3.5 Series and now moves to McLaren. He replaces Sergio Perez at the team.

Daniil Kvyat has one season of GP3 under his belt, but he was series champion in 2013. He is moving to Toro Rosso to replace Daniel Ricciardo who moves up to the Red BullRed BullAustria, 2004 > present12 models
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team.

The four drivers who have left F1 this season are Mark Webber who joined Porsche’sPorscheGermany, 1931 > present43 models
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World Endurance Championship team; Paul di Resta will race for MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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in the DTM; Giedo van der Garde will be Sauber’sSauberSwitzerland, 1970 > present21 models
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reserve driver, and Charles Pic is leaving, but his career prospects are unknown.

Di Resta was the 2010 DTM champion for Mercedes and will return to Mercedes for 2014. Di Resta raced in the DTM from 2007 to 2010 and took six wins, six pole positions and seven fastest laps in 42 races. He moved for Formula One in 2011.

He is testing the car for the first time on January 21 at Portimão.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the whole Mercedes-Benz DTM team and being part of another championship challenge,” said di Resta.

The DTM series begins on May 3 at Hockenheim.

Source: Autosport