Giedo van der Garde lands the position of third driver at Caterham
The Dutchman will be the third driver for the team led by Tony Fernandes. He will have the opportunity to take the wheel of the CT01 during some free practice sessions on Friday mornings throughout the season.
The Caterham team announced this morning the name of its third driver for the 2012 Formula 1 season. It is the Dutchman Giedo van der Garde who succeeds Karun Chandock in this position.
Charles Pic’s teammate in the GP2 Series was hoping to secure the last seat at HRT, but it was the Indian Narain Karthikeyan who was chosen by the team.
« I am very happy to become a member of the Caterham team and I am very excited. Tony Fernandes is extremely ambitious and has hired many highly skilled people to help the team grow in the future. I look forward to learning and progressing with the team both in and out of the car, » said Giedo van der Garde enthusiastically.
The Dutch driver will participate in winter testing and will take the place of a regular driver during some Friday morning sessions during Grand Prix weekends. A good way to get a foot in the door without too much pressure.
« I feel very strong today. I am ready mentally and physically. I have spent a lot of time driving with guys who are now in Formula 1 and I feel ready for it. I would like to thank McGregor and everyone who has supported me in my career and helped me reach this milestone, » adds the Dutchman.
Like many young drivers, Giedo van der Garde is well supported financially, but Tony Fernandes also points out that he has delivered strong performances in the lower categories, notably in the GP2 Series.
« His performances in GP2, particularly in 2011, make him one of the brightest young talents in motorsport. Signing him as the third driver is a real coup for our team. I am convinced that he will thrive on and off the track, and I wish him the best in Formula 1 with us, » said Tony Fernandes.
