Vergne to replace Trulli at Caterham in 2012?

According to *Auto Motor und Sport*, Helmut Marko, head of the Red Bull program, is considering placing one of his drivers in a Caterham seat for 2012, with Jean-Eric Vergne at the forefront: « Red Bull could place one of its rookies, Ricciardo or Vergne, with Lotus » thus assures the German newspaper.

Red Bull, which has four contenders for a seat at Toro Rosso for 2012, had already reached a similar agreement with HRT, which hosts – with financial compensation – the young and promising Daniel Ricciardo, since the British Grand Prix. However, Helmut Marko, who recently stated he was not sure the agreement would be extended to 2012, is considering promoting Daniel Ricciardo to Toro Rosso and finding a similar agreement with Tony Fernandes’ Caterham team – currently Team Lotus – to place Jean-Eric Vergne, who impressed during recent tests conducted on behalf of the Red Bull team, in Abu Dhabi.

However, the Malaysian team has two drivers under contract for 2012, but while Heikki Kovalainen’s position seems set in stone, Jarno Trulli’s appears to be on shaky ground. Indeed, just a few weeks ago, the name of Charles Pic was being mentioned as a potential replacement for the Italian driver, prompting his manager, Lucio Cavuto, to respond: « Jarno’s position for 2012 is not up for discussion since he signed an agreement [last September]. »

However, according to the site 422race.com, the Team Lotus driver’s seat, not only coveted by Red Bull, is also being eyed by Jérôme d’Ambrosio, Davide Valsecchi, and even by Giedo van der Garde, who would bring nearly 8 million euros in sponsorship.

In addition to being able to finance the seat, Red Bull has another significant advantage since the two teams have also become technical partners, sharing not only the Viry-Châtillon engine block but also the KERS system developed by the Austrian team. The French driver could also benefit from Renault’s support, as Tony Fernandes met with Carlos Ghosn today, who had assured a few weeks ago that he always mentions to all teams that having a French driver at the wheel would be very well received by Renault.

One thing is certain for Auto Motor und Sport: Red Bull will give the Frenchman a seat next season.