Rossi announced on Wednesday he was leaving team's F1 and GP2 system
Wednesday 16 July 2014 16:16, UK
Tom Dillmann will replace Alexander Rossi in Caterham’s GP2 line-up for this weekend’s races at Hockenheim.
Rossi announced on Wednesday that he would be leaving both Caterham’s F1 and GP2 programmes with immediate effect just two weeks after Tony Fernandes sold the F1 team to Swiss and Middle Eastern investors.
Dillmann is without a full-time drive since leaving Russian Time at the end of 2013, but he did contest the Barcelona rounds of the GP2 Series with Arden when he deputised for the injured Andre Negrao, taking a podium finish in the Sprint Race.
“I am really happy to be back in the GP2 Series with EQ8 Caterham Racing,” Dillmann said.
“Driving for a successful team means that we should be able to achieve good results together and I hope that these two race weekends will help me find a GP2 seat for the rest of the season.
“Hockenheim is the closest circuit to my house and I consider it my home race, I have spent many hours driving the track in various categories and had several wins there. This weekend I hope to be straight on the pace, fighting for the top step of the podium and making a good impression on my new team.”
Team Principal Mia Sharizman added that they feel the recruitment of Dillmann can help them improve on a disappointing season to date after the squad failed to deliver on testing pace.
“There has been a lot of well publicised change at Caterham during the last few weeks, but we are very pleased to remain part of Caterham Group, alongside Caterham Moto Racing Team and fly the Caterham motorsport flag in our respective Series,” he said.
“We wish Alexander all the best for the future, but now welcome Tom to our team and have confidence that he can help us gain top results and further boost our championship position.
“Every single EQ8 Caterham Racing team member has put in a huge effort this season and I would like to thank them for their hard work and continued dedication to the team.”
Despite leaving Caterham, Rossi will be on the grid in Germany as he deputises for Kimiya Sato at Campos Racing whilst the Japansese driver contests the Auto GP rounds at the Red Bull Ring.
