Article: 2013 Driver Line-ups, News & Rumours | Formula one

van der Garde doing better is only really going to be Caterham though, so if that offer isn't forthcoming, he might well go with HRT simply to get into F1, for a GP2 driver he's not the youngest. Hua may be appalling but if he's got funding, then he'll probably get that seat (until he fails to qualify for half the season).

 

Apparently Algae is coming back to F1 with <quote> a sizeable sponsorship package <endquote> If nobody takes him on then HRT is where he may end up. HRT does seem to be the last choice for some.....

 

Sometimes I wonder what the self-esteem of an HRT employee must be like

 

For them the only way is up

 

Might have some bearing on the Sauber seats for next season: Esteban Gutierrez will be sharing his seat at the young drivers' test in Abu Dhabi with current Formula Renault 3.5 2nd place holder and Sam Bird-beater Robin Frijns. (In his rookie season, no less.)

I also just wanted to post this because I admire Frijns' achievement.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/103504

 

They're like the new Minardi, just not yet as likeable. If they're still going in 10 years then they may become the plucky backmarkers who are run by a bunch of enthusiasts who are just able to survive, but love their racing.

For now they are a bunch of no-hopers. Just like Minardi 1985 - 1987.

 

According to Autosport, Force India needs to finish in the top six in the contructors in order to keep Hulkenburg. The chances of them overtaking Sauber are extremely unlikely, so it looks like one of those Sauber seats will be going to Hulkenburg.


Just a note on Formula Renault 3.5: There is a lot of talent there, you have an academy driver from Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes. Frijns, Bianchi (Ferrari) and Felix da Costa (Red Bull) are definitely the best drivers out there. Frijns has been impressive all year and doesn't get into collisions - but his form in the last two races suggests he's a choker. For this reason I can't see him winning the championship. I think he's good enough to be in F1, and a better driver than Guttierez but does he have the financial backing?

Bianchi is also in his rookie season of FR3.5 and is leading the championship (despite A LOT of bad luck). He's been quick all season but continues to be error-prone. I expect him to win the championship this weekend and in doing so, will earn himself a drive at Force India next year. For what it's worth I think he deserves it more than Alguersuari.

Felix da Costa is probably the most impressive. He replaced Williamson (so missed the first five races) but in ten races he has 116 points (same system as F1), four podiums including two wins. Excluding all points scored in the first five race races, Felix da Costa would be second in the championship, behind Bianchi. He will probably become the Toro Rosso reserve driver and Marko might even bring him in mid-season 2013.

 

Really hoping da Costa gets a drive within the next few years. After watching GP3, he was definately one of two best with Abt. I can see him being a race winner (in f1) atleast by 2020.

 

Jules Bianchi looks very very good

 

Three years now and I see no improvement from Bianchi - he continues to make so many mistakes. If he ****s up again tomorrow I can't see him getting into Force India.

 

He's fast though, maybe the mistakes will drop when he gets into F1?

 

da Costa should be on the grid next season. In my opinion Red Bull should drop Webber and put Ricciardo or Buemi in the other Red Bull, what's the point of having a young driver program if they don't use it?

 

Hopefully they are very proud. They have survived thus far, making it within 107% and beating the odds. Good on em!

 

da Costa's amazing, he's dominating WSR now despite joining mid season. I'm going to try to catch some of tomorrow's race but it clashes with the derby. I really hope he gets a Toro Rosso drive for 2014, he's the best young driver Red Bull have had since Vettel and looks a cut above anyone else in the lower formulas.

 

He's got a cool name too, which is always a bonus.

 

I'm honestly hoping that by 2014 Webber is out and one of the young guys gets brought in. I like Ricciardo so I think he would be a good fit, and would actually be someone who would be fast when given the right machinery. I've never heard of da costa if I'm being honest but considering all of your guys' praise for him I'll have to check him out and see for myself how good he is.

 

I reckon Vergne will get replaced, though he has more points than Ricciardo he is more consistent and better at qualifying than Vergne and he is also not as mouthy with regards to his team.

 

Hope not, Vergne's consistently looked much better in race trim than Ricciardo.

Then again, I thought Hartley would get a seat

 

Final WSR race of the season is on later, not sure if you get coverage in the US but you can stream it: http://www.thefirstrow.eu/watch/148120/1/watch-renault-world-series--race-2.html

Should be a decent race, just four points separating Frijns and Bianchi, and Sam Bird's in with a shot of the title as well.

 

Thanks for the link man!