Caterham driver decision is on due

The Leafield-based marque are yet to appoint a team-mate for Charles Pic, signed in November after a debut campaign with Marussia, even though the first test in Jerez is just three weeks away. Abiteboul is understood to be in talks with Vitaly Petrov in regards to the Russian competing for a second season with the team. However, Abiteboul has also dropped a broad hint he is considering a rookie instead as he builds towards 2014, which will see engine regulations altered dramatically. "There are different options. One is someone who he (Pic) can learn from," said Abiteboul, speaking to the Eastern Daily Press. "Another, more radical, is to accept the fact 2013 is a transition year we use to continue building the team before a period of greater stability in 2014, when a lot of other things in the package will change. "Both types are out there, and we are close to making a decision.

Cyril Abiteboul: Reportedly in talks with Vitaly Petrov