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18 Aug 2014, 18:13 (Ref:3445094) | #1 | |
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Lotterer
Rumours doing the rounds, and being reported on Autosport, that Andre Lotterer is close to replacing Kobayashi at Caterham for Spa.
A completely off-the-wall move. The man hasn't tested an F1 car in well over ten years! It doesn't really inspire confidence in what Albers and Kolles are doing. But then again, the Super Formula cars are arguably as close as you'd get to an F1 car, so he has some recent relevant experience. I'd be very intrigued to see how he would get on |
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18 Aug 2014, 18:18 (Ref:3445098) | #2 | |
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Will Kobayashi replace Lotterer at Audi then? He'd be mighty in Super Formula...
...anyway, somehow I reckon Albers read Autosport's "Top 50 drivers who never raced F1" feature last year, saw Lotterer's name and thought "if I were a team principal..." |
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18 Aug 2014, 18:21 (Ref:3445100) | #3 | ||
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It is an intriguing move. I'd assume that money is at the route of this (I can't imagine that Lotterer will put in a significantly better performance than Kobayashi), but I'm intrigued as to where it is coming from.
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18 Aug 2014, 18:22 (Ref:3445102) | #4 | ||
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I think it's probably more that Lotterer drove Kolle's R10 before his Audi factory days.
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18 Aug 2014, 18:23 (Ref:3445103) | #5 | |
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18 Aug 2014, 18:26 (Ref:3445104) | #6 | ||
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18 Aug 2014, 18:27 (Ref:3445105) | #7 | |
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However, if Kobayashi isn't secure, is Carlos Sainz Jr going to be in the running, or is Kolles looking at prospects from 2001? Seems a little odd that Lotterer is the favourite for this seat, and may even be wanted for this drive.
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18 Aug 2014, 18:29 (Ref:3445106) | #8 | |||
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Really? I wonder how much those posting here know about Lotterer's performances in an Audi LMP? I wouldn't see the move as 'off the wall' at all. The only thing that would strike me as intriguing is why Lotterer would want to do it. It's hardly an inspiring career move....... |
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18 Aug 2014, 18:32 (Ref:3445107) | #9 | ||
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First reaction to this (not that I think Kobayashi deserves to lose his drive) is quite excited - why not? Lotterer is probably one of the most accomplished drivers in action today who hasn't had an F1 career. He's a top, top driver.
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18 Aug 2014, 18:32 (Ref:3445108) | #10 | ||
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Absolutely agreed.
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18 Aug 2014, 18:46 (Ref:3445117) | #11 | |||
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18 Aug 2014, 18:54 (Ref:3445122) | #12 | ||
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IMO this speculation is a load of rubbish, because surely TOM'S wouldn't even consider releasing him to race at Spa, and the fact he is second in the championship.
Also the fact his last post on Instagram 11 hours ago says the following: "Quick stop home in Belgium enjoying my boy Max! Off to Italy tonight for some #Audi R18 action in Misano and then back to Japan for #superformula round 4 in #motegi #busy #busy" |
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18 Aug 2014, 18:57 (Ref:3445124) | #13 | |
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Interesting story,but whats in it for him beyond being able to say he drove a slow F1 car at Spa?The past link to Kolles might indicate that he could be used as a yardstick to see how much of the stream of poor results might be attributable to the drivers and how much might be the car.A Friday morning session might suffice for that and then they can collect the cash from the usual incumbents for the rest of the weekend.
The recent list in Autosport clearly showed that talent alone has not been enough to get a seat and Lotterer certainly has talent.Pity he can't find a better car in which to display it. |
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18 Aug 2014, 19:51 (Ref:3445146) | #14 | |
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i heard rumours he'd had a seat fitting
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18 Aug 2014, 19:58 (Ref:3445149) | #15 | ||
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But as already said, the man has no reason to do this. And Kolles/Albers getting their mates in is no solution to the problems they have. |
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18 Aug 2014, 20:08 (Ref:3445153) | #16 | ||
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18 Aug 2014, 20:17 (Ref:3445159) | #17 | |||
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He's eminently qualified for a backmarker position. If he's in peak physical condition and race sharp, there's an off-chance he could even acquit himself well. |
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18 Aug 2014, 20:19 (Ref:3445160) | #18 | |||
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It would be difficult to surprise anyone when driving what we know is a pretty poor car, but I think you can safely take it for granted that a guy who races for Audi regularly in the WEC, drives in the 24 Hours - having won it 3 times in the last 4 years (and will think nothing of doing stints equivalent to more than 2 GPs back to back - as one of the fastest drivers in the category) is probably fit and skilled enough to acquit himself well. But I may be wrong - after all, he's just a sportscar driver....... (Even if the Badoer reference is close to insulting.......). Last edited by Aysedasi; 18 Aug 2014 at 20:27. |
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18 Aug 2014, 20:31 (Ref:3445170) | #19 | |
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Max Verstappen is signed for STR next season, why not Lotterer. Certainly a more complete package...
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18 Aug 2014, 20:38 (Ref:3445171) | #20 | |
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It has become very difficult in recent years to jump into an F1 car mid season you have not driven before and go quickly judging by the number of drivers who have failed in recent times. It is almost guaranteed end to an F1 carear. Koalinnen was the most recent example.
I can't remember when was the last time a driver jumped into an F1 car mid season with no testing and did not end up with his chances of staying in F1 going downhill fast. |
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18 Aug 2014, 20:50 (Ref:3445180) | #21 | ||
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I doubt very much whether Lotterer has aspirations of netting a seat at Caterham on the basis of a good showing at Spa. I simply can't believe that a driver as good as he would be putting his reputation on the line - as others have hinted, if there is any truth in this, there must be surely be some other reason than Andre angling for the Caterham drive.
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18 Aug 2014, 20:53 (Ref:3445183) | #22 | |
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I rate Lotterer but surely he has no experience on the tyres, with DRS. Pit stops. Recipe to fail....plus clashes with Toms.
Given the possibility of mixed weather Caterham needs to keep Kobi in the car and concentrate on understanding how to fix the deficiencies in the car. For all their resources its retarded to be behind Murrasia. Remember Bianchi had to hatchet KZobi at Monaco, otherwise Kamui would have bagged the points! |
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18 Aug 2014, 20:53 (Ref:3445184) | #23 | |
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Why leave Audi for a backmarker team in F1? WEC is the future anyway.
As I said many months ago: IMO Lotterer has as much talent as Vettel, Raikko, Alonso or Rosberg etc. he just didn't get the chance just like Giorgio Pantano. |
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18 Aug 2014, 21:11 (Ref:3445190) | #24 | ||
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Last edited by deggis; 18 Aug 2014 at 21:21. |
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18 Aug 2014, 21:39 (Ref:3445197) | #25 | |||
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Like countless of other ex-backmarkers or F1 minnows who have had very successful non-F1 motorsport careers. If Lotterer has an opportunity to get back on the F1 grid, wants it, he should go for it and enjoy himself. He has nothing to lose. |
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