F1: Caterham wants new Ericsson deal

Marcus Ericsson looks set to remain in Formula 1 with Caterham next year, with the team eager to keep the Swedish driver after his strong performance in Singapore.

Despite what has been a difficult season for the team, Caterham's new owners have confidence that Ericsson is making good progress in his rookie season. Although he has yet to beat his best 11th-place finish from Monaco, Caterham's new team principal Manfredi Ravetto thinks Ericsson's performance in Singapore – where he finished ahead of main rivals Marussia in 15th – was a breakthrough. That form has left Ravetto convinced that it should keep Ericsson for 2015.

"I saw a strong Ericsson in Singapore who did the best race of his season," said Ravetto. "I am sorry for the opportunities he missed in free practice and qualifying due to technical issues, because without them I am sure he would have started in a better position.

"Even so, the fact is he superbly managed to keep both Marussias behind him and did a really fantastic race on a very difficult track. We are really very happy with the progress he made and our doors are open for him for next year.

"We have started talking to his management and to his financial backers because this year the team invested in his rookie development. Next year we would be delighted in having him again in our car and taking the fruits of this investment, rather than seeing him deliver for somebody else."

DECISION DUE ON SUZUKA IMMINENTLY

While Ericsson's future with Caterham looks positive, the outfit is still pondering plans for its second car even over the remainder of this season. Kamui Kobayashi has driven the last two races and would be an obvious choice for his home GP in Japan next weekend, but the team is still finalizing its plans.

"We have no rush to make any decision," added Ravetto. "Let me emphasize that Kamui is always part of the family and we are so sorry for the bad luck he had in Singapore. Having said this, driver choice is a very sensitive one and I have to listen to many people's advice and influence in this respect. It is not a single man's decision."