Manor hints on line up
Manor have hinted that they are more likely to sign a promising young rookie than an established name to complete their driver lineup. The team only has one seat to fill within a week before the season opener.
“We are in discussion, very detailed and very advanced discussion, with some very quick young guys,” Lowdon told Reuters. “Manor has always had a history of bringing some great driving talent on to the grid and we really want to try and continue that,” he added.
The team has already announced that Will Stevens will be one of the teams drivers although that is subject to the 23-year-old securing his super licence. That is unlikely to be a problem because Stevens made an appearance in Abu Dhabi.
Giedo van der Garde unfairly dismissed
Former Sauber test driver Giedo van der Garde has launched legal action against the team claiming he was unfairly dismissed.
Van der Garde claims the team had promised him a seat for this season. But Sauber has signed Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr to be there race drivers for this season. Sauber has not made any comment on the claims.
Van der Garde has been linked with a return to the F1 grid in 2015 with the Manor Marussia. Van der Garde raced for Caterham in 2013. The case will be heard in Melbourne on Monday days before the season begins.
BT enters F1
BT has agreed a multi year technology partnership with Williams. The team will use the company’s global network to improve there communication.
BT and Williams last season worked together on an innovative pilot scheme this demonstrated some of the tangible competitive benefits that could be achieved with higher performance.
Gavin Patterson, chief executive, BT, said: “It’s really exciting to be joining forces with Williams. Both BT and Williams have an illustrious history of competing successfully at the top with cutting edge technology”
BT Sport will be challenging bigger rivals Sky and the BBC for the TV rights after 2018. But we believe that the BBC or another free to air station will be likely to retain some rights.
