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Rossi parts ways with Caterham

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Alexander Rossi has confirmed he has parted company with the Caterham F1 and GP2 teams.

Rossi joined Caterham in 2011 and has raced for the Leafield-based team in both Formula Renault 3.5 and GP2, but has only taken 10 points in the most recent season of the latter despite entering as a favourite for the title. The American joined Caterham as an F1 reserve driver in 2013 and was due to compete in Friday practice for the team in Austin.

But on Wednesday Rossi confirmed he has left both teams, which have now become separate entities following the purchase of the Caterham F1 outfit by a consortium of Swiss and Middle Eastern investors before the British Grand Prix. Rossi will also step down from his position in the GP2 team, effective from this weekend's round at Hockenheim.

"I'm very thankful to everyone at Caterham throughout the time I have worked with the team," Rossi said. "We had meetings over the past couple months with the previous and new management. The decision we took to leave Caterham is the right decision for my career.

"I take with me only the positives from my time there, where I logged considerable F1 mileage, driving each of their F1 cars since Lotus Racing entered the F1 World Championship in 2010. I have proven my abilities in F1 equipment, in both testing and free practice sessions, and I'm ready for the next step.

"My goal is to be in F1 and add value to the sport. We have a great opportunity to grow the sport in the States and I believe the timing is perfect. I'm also very pleased to see an American F1 entry, Haas Formula with plans to join the F1 grid in 2016."

It was later confirmed Rossi will join Campos in time for the GP2 round at Hockenheim, with his Caterham seat being taken by Tom Dillmann.

It's been an emotional couple of years with @CaterhamF1. The highlight being driving with them in Austin last year. Now it's time to move on

— Alexander Rossi (@AlexanderRossi) July 16, 2014

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