Caterham supremo Tony Fernandes has admitted Heikki Kovalainen is in the running to return to a race seat in 2014.
The Finn was ousted in favour of two 'pay drivers' this year as Caterham decided instead to focus its resources on preparing for the huge rules challenge of 2014.
"We were trying to save for 2014," Malaysian Fernandes, on a now rare trip to the paddock in Singapore, said.
"This is the state of formula one right now where unfortunately sometimes the budget plays a large part in your decision making."
Realising it had taken a step backwards relative to the competition, however, Caterham drafted the highly-rated Kovalainen back into the reserve role and gave him four practice outings at grands prix this year.
Asked what chance Kovalainen, 31, has of returning to the race seat in 2014, Fernandes told Turun Sanomat newspaper: "(A) big chance.
"I don't want to say more than that. Heikki is still with us, he is a big part of this family," he added.
It is believed Charles Pic's seat is secure for 2014. Caterham's other race driver this year is the Dutchman Giedo van der Garde.
Fernandes: "Kovalainen has big chance of 2014 return"
- Published on 22 Sep 2013 12:51
-
0
- By: Danny Sosef
.
Trending news
-
Hamilton's brutal self-assessment after third recent penaltyLewis Hamilton delivered a stark self-assessment after a difficult Hungarian Grand Prix, accepting responsibility for...
27 Jul 2026 16:22 -
Why Carlos Sainz is rethinking his Williams futureCarlos Sainz has acknowledged that his ambition to return to winning ways has been pushed back by as much as two year...
27 Jul 2026 15:21 -
Why Fernando Alonso is nowhere near F1 retirementFernando Alonso has signalled his intention to continue racing in Formula 1, stating that enjoyment behind the wheel,...
27 Jul 2026 14:19 -
Why Hamilton openly questioned Ferrari's VSC pit callLewis Hamilton has openly questioned Ferrari's strategic decision-making at the Hungarian Grand Prix, stating tha...
27 Jul 2026 13:18 -
Norris's bold claim after Hungary win reveals champion mindsetLando Norris delivered one of his most complete performances to win the Hungarian Grand Prix and immediately declared...
27 Jul 2026 12:17
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Local time
-
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Local time
-
Friday
-
Saturday
-
Sunday
-
Friday
-
Saturday
-
Sunday
Test calendar
Circuit de Catalunya - Winter testing
-
Jan 26
I. Hadjar
- 1:18.159
-
-
-
Jan 27
M. Verstappen
- 1:19.578
-
-
-
Jan 28
A. Antonelli
- 1:17.362
-
-
-
Jan 29
G. Russell
- 1:16.445
-
-
-
Jan 30
L. Hamilton
- 1:16.348
-
-
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
-
Feb 11
L. Norris
- 1:34.669
-
-
-
Feb 12
C. Leclerc
- 1:34.273
-
-
-
Feb 13
A. Antonelli
- 1:33.669
-
-
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
-
Feb 18
G. Russell
- 1:33.459
-
-
Feb 19
A. Antonelli
- 1:32.803
-
-
Feb 20
C. Leclerc
- 1:31.992
-
-
World Championship standings 2026
Pos
Driver
Team
Points
Pos
Team
Points
Related news
Give your opinion!
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
-
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
-
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
-
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia
Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
26 - Jun 28
Austria
Red Bull Ring
3 - Jul 5
United Kingdom
Silverstone
17 - Jul 19
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
24 - Jul 26
Hungary
Hungaroring
Replies (0)
Login to reply