Fernandes always insinuated that 2013 was going to be a year of consolidation and compromise after the disappointment of 2012 with the blown diffuser issue, and that 2014 was going to be the year to put focus on with the rule changes. My sense is that Pic/Van Der Garde was always set out to be a short term pairing due to the significant backing both drivers bring that Heikki doesn't.
I've got my fingers crossed for Hulkenberg to Lotus and Magnussen to McLaren. Marussia too. They've really no excuses from next season, they've had four years to get the infrastructure in place, and the overhaul in regulations means they aren't behind the development curve. If they're still off the pace they may as well give up because it's never gonna happen. I think they'll be on it though, they've both made decent steps forward each year.
It shouldn't be a formality that they're always slowest. The other teams manage to punch above their weight. I'm not saying they should be consistently scoring points, but they should at least be challenging to get into Q2.
Caterham and marussia have both been better to watch this year with fresh new talent in the cars rather than has beens. They should keep that ethic in the future. Maybe do a deal with the top teams to open a door to dev drivers in exchange for cheaper parts?
It must be Hulkenburg: http://www.crash.net/f1/news/196351/1/lotus_looking_long_term_with_raikkonen_replacement.html
According to BlogF1.it: Lotus prefer Hulkenberg to Massa Force India expected to keep line-up Sauber will replace Hulkenburg with Sirotkin. Gutierrez likely to stay. Da Costa is the favourite for the TR seat Mercedes engine deal will keep Bottas at Williams. It's not easy for Maldonado to leave. VDG will probably stay another year. Pic could be replaced by Kovalainen. Bianchi will stay at Marussia, but Chilton is set to be replaced by Magnussen.
I would love to see a Bianchi-Magnussen duel! Ferrari development driver v Mclaren development driver, 2012 WSBR Champion (in my mind) v 2013 WSBR Champion-elect.
It's what pay drivers should be. Good juniors with top teams paying back markers to give them mileage.
Would Bianchi and Magnussen even bring that much finance? I know they're both junior team drivers, but not like Max Chilton or Esteban Gutierrez who just bring a **** ton of dolla from various sources (e.g. Daddy).
