banner The latest auto news, reviews, prices, product and vehicle releases. Auto News 5

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed

Do not miss the latest Auto News !

Jan
22nd

F1: Giedo Van der Garde admits he turned down Caterham offer

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
From GMM

Giedo van der Garde claims he turned down the chance to stay at Caterham this year in order to "move sideways" to Sauber.

Just a year into his grand prix career, the Dutchman will not even be on the 2014 grid, but serving only as Sauber's reserve and occasional Friday driver.

Well backed by his father in law Marcel Boekhoorn's McGregor brand, he told De Telegraaf newspaper that he turned Caterham down.

F1 Caterham Singapore Giedo Van der Garde
Giedo Van der Garde, Caterham F1 Team, in Singapore. (Photo: WRi2)

"I liken it to Jasper Cillissen," van der Garde said, referring to a Dutch goalkeeper who gambled on a transfer between football teams, sat on the bench for a year but ultimately went on to great success.

De Telegraaf said van der Garde was offered the race seat at Caterham for 2014.

"I didn't do it," the 28-year-old confirmed, "because this is a better option.

"My goal this year is to show what I can do and race for Sauber in 2015. I'm a driver who wants the maximum possible, not to race around at the back."

Van der Garde said he is happy with his 2014 programme.

"It looks good," he said. "There are more test days this year and I can do some of the Friday free practices. And if it is necessary, I am ready to race."


Hosted by CifTech Hosting.