Lotterer replaces Kobayashi at Belgian GP
André Lotterer will be given the chance to make his torrid debut in Formula 1 at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, Caterham F1 has confirmed. The German driver replaces the team's Japanese driver, Kamui Kobayashi who still remains with the Caterham Group.
Three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner, Lotterer started racing in the early 90s, succeeding in both German and British Formula 3 championships before being named Jaguar Racing’s Formula One test driver in 2002. That same year he also competed in the last round of CART series where he finished in 12th place.
A year later he moved to Japan, doing very well in both Formula Nippon and the Japanese Super GT Championship, which he won in 2006 and 2009. He made his debut in endurance racing in 2009, taking part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. His impressive performance that year earned him a drive with the works Audi Sport team in the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans, remaining with the team and winning the prestigious race three times (2011, 2012 and 2014). In 2011 he won the Formula Nippon championship and in 11 years of competing in the series, he also finished 5th twice and third three times.
The German has however recently focused on endurance racing with Audi, forming a team with Marcel Fassler and Bernoit Treluyer since 2010. The trio won the prestigious contention three times.
André Lotterer: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to take part in a Formula One race weekend - I want to thank Caterham F1 Team for this chance. I’m ready for this challenge and I cannot wait to jump in the car and make the most out of the weekend ahead. I will need to get settled and used to the car quickly, as the team has worked on a number of updates and we will need to have as much time as possible out on track to optimise the car’s performance. I really enjoy racing at the legendary circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, it’s one of my favourite tracks and it’s very close to where I grew up, so this makes the weekend even more special and one to remember."
