Lotus F1 to sign Hulkenberg

[robin]

The interview during the qualifying interlude wasn't so clear cut - the guy (not sure what his role in Force India actually is - wasn't paying attention) was saying "we've got two good drivers, why would we change?", but didn't then explain why it was they haven't yet signed them, beyond saying it all hinged on Lotus ... i.e. we've got two good drivers, but we could get two better drivers

Sutil says he's got a drive next year, so I guess that means Force India will take Hulk if they can get him.

Cheers,
Robin

[Graemei]

I wonder if Maldonado has an "option" on Force India as I don't see why he would pick Sauber over Lotus? Not quite sure what he is waiting for, wonder if it's all down to the Lotus engine next season.

Seeing so many people and rumours talking about Perez going to Force India, just don't see it happening at all, unless he's a test driver.

[Mikie711]

This year it's as more about what the driver brings with them rather than how much talent. Most if not all of the middle to lower field seats are paid for drives so if you haven't got some serious financial backing I doubt you'll get a drive. Ironic that Max Chilton will probably continue next year and Di Rista will likely be without a drive when the music stops.

[ryallm]

Lotus have just confirmed Maldonado for 2014. More proof that money rather than talent is what counts in the F1 midfield these days

[j2 lot]

Mixed feelings on that:

Against: Maldonado is annoying crashed too much and is less talented than other options
For: Maldonado comes with a shed load of money & Lotus need funds to stay afloat

He even has the look of a rich drug dealing Venezuelans son ( but that might not be true at all and only said for comic effect as I need my kneecaps )

[ryallm]

A good summary on Paul Di Resta's situation http://www.planetf1.com/editorial/90732 ... ll-Of-Paul

I think he is a better driver than Perez who is replacing him, but hey ho...

[sendmyusername]

The main reason di resta sacked hamilton as his manager was over a made up deal with a drinks company for promotion. Rumour has it about £10M sponsorship. The deal itself wasn't entirely fictious but it wasn't the done deal he was told and eventually fell through.
Just wondering how much that £10M not coming into the company through di resta may have cost him his drive.
He was only just pipped by hulkenburg, he beat sutil regularly, yet teams have avoided him and gone for the them instead. He beat vettel in a previous series before F1.
I like him in interviews, he's honest and tells it like it is, apparently the teams don't like that ?
Hope he gets a ride, but at the moment it's looking like sauber is his last chance.
Apparently hulkenburg decided he wanted to stay at sauber after their strong finish to the season when there was a problem with lotus, but he'd mucked them about so much dithering, plus they are very conscious of his weight issue (he's about 7 stone) that they told him he'd burned his bridges with them.