- Caterham
Caterham to race in Abu Dhabi
Caterham has confirmed it will race in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix "thanks to fund-raising efforts of fans".
Smith & Williamson, the administrators for Caterham, were trying to raise £2.35 million by Friday November 14 on Crowdcube to make the race. On Friday it had peaked at 79% of its target but administrators told ESPNF1 it was "packed and ready to go" as the team waited for a contract to be signed with an investor.
On Friday afternoon the team's participation in the finale was made official, with the statement saying the crowd-funding initiative had attracted sponsors to the cause.
Finbarr O'Connell, the team's joint administrator, said: "We set ourselves a major challenge, but it's definitely been worth it! In only a week the fans have made the impossible, possible. We knew that the best way to keep this team alive and attract possible buyers was to show that it's still a racing team and be in Abu Dhabi for the finale, and there aren't enough words to say how grateful we are to all the fans that have made this possible.
"We now head to Abu Dhabi ready to show what a hard-working and positive group of people this is and to hopefully secure a future for the team. During the past few days the interest of many potential buyers has increased massively and by racing in Abu Dhabi the team will be showcasing itself as a live and functioning team that deserves to continue into 2015 and beyond. It has hard-working people, team spirit and experience and now it only needs a secure financial future which I'm very hopeful we can achieve.
"Once again, I'd like to reiterate that we are racing in Abu Dhabi thanks to all the fans out there - an achievement that will go down in F1 history and one that we can all be very proud of. We still need to raise a bit more cash so please do keep an eye on the Crowdcube website. Let's go racing!"
Earlier this week Sauber-bound Marcus Ericsson severed his contract with Caterham, meaning he will not be available to race for the team at the finale. The team is yet to confirm its driver line-up for Abu Dhabi but hopes to be in a position to do so before the weekend.
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
