Caterham will make progress, says Abiteboul

Caterham team principal Cyril Abiteboul is adamant that his team can take a step forward this season following a reorganisation over the winter.

The Frenchman says that the team is now operating a lot more effectively than previously.

“On the surface it may look like we’re starting 2013 in a similar position to 2012, but inside the team it is very different,” said Abiteboul. “We have a base in Oxfordshire in which we now control all elements of the design and production in-house. The wind tunnel we use has been upgraded to meet our exact specifications, and is now producing results that turn into definite improvements.

“We are continuing to improve the efficiencies and working practices within the team so we can compete both on track and as a viable business with a secure long-term future and we are bringing in talented people at all levels to keep pushing us forwards.

“We also have two new drivers for 2013, Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde. Both are young, determined to succeed and eager to help the team achieve its goals. At the end of 2012 we were a central part of the F1 show, and I have told both drivers to be ready to be part of the show in 2013, maybe not right at the start, but with what we have coming to the car during the season, we can be confident that we are going to attract interest in us, for the right reasons.”

Summing up, he added: “We have the facilities, we have the people and we have the infrastructure we need to take the next step forwards. We will do that in a calm, measured way, one that is grounded in a realistic view of the highly competitive world in which we operate, but we will do it with the greatest possible level of energy, passion and enthusiasm.”