20/01/2014
NEWS STORY
Still to announce its 2014 line-up, Caterham Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul tonight revealed that Charles Pic has not been retained.
The last of the teams to confirm the identity of either driver, ahead of next week's unveiling of its 2014 contender and track debut, speculation is reaching fever pitch.
Along with 2013 drivers Pic and Giedo Van der Garde, others linked with the Anglo-Malaysian outfit include Kamui Kobayashi and Sweden's Marcus Ericsson.
However, Pic was ruled out tonight when Abiteboul told Infosport+: "Unfortunately Charles won't be with us next season.
"It's a pity that the adventure between Caterham and Charles is ending," he added. "On a personal level I want to thank Charles for the work he achieved last year."
The Leafield based outfit, which finished last in the 2013 Constructors' Championship, has made no secret of the fact that it is seeking drivers who can provide serious backing.
While Kobayashi's funding is limited, hence his failure to secure an F1 drive in 2013, it is understood Ericsson has strong financial support.
The popular Japanese driver contested the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2013 driving a Ferrari 458 for AF Corse in the LMGTE-Pro class. He also contested the Le Mans 24 Hours, again for AF Corse, taking fifth in the GTE-Pro class with co-drivers Olivier Beretta and Toni Vilander.
Ericsson, who tested for Brawn at the end of 2009, has spent the last four seasons in GP2, his best years being 2012 and 2013 when he finished 8th overall.
Should the team opt for Kobayashi and Ericsson, as is looking likely, it would be its third different line-up in as many seasons.
Chris Balfe