Formula 1: Caterham Replace Kobayashi with Lotterer for Belgium GP

The new Caterham team management has decided to shake its driving line-up and replaced Japanese Kamui Kobayashi for this weekend's Belgium Grand Prix with German racer Andre Lotterer.

Kobayashi's Formula 1 future with the British squad was in doubt, following the departure of Tony Fernandes, but the team now owned by Swiss-Middle East owners in a statement informed that the "Japanese driver still remains part of the team".

Caterham are currently at the bottom of the constructors' championship and are yet to score a point this season. The Leafield-based team is hoping to put their season on track and in the statement said that they will be benefitted from Lotterer's experience.

"Andre Lotterer will drive for Caterham F1 Team at the Belgian Grand Prix," the statement reads. "The team will benefit from having another experienced driver at the wheel of the car throughout the weekend and the German's feedback will contribute to improve the performance of the car."

"The weather also plays a big role at Spa-Francorchamps and Lotterer is one of the most experienced drivers racing under mixed conditions," the statement added.

The three-time Le Mans champion, Lotterer is a leading driver in the World Endurance Championship and is competing with Audi factory LMP1 team. He is also competing in single-seater series and currently on second place in the Japan's Super Formula series.

The 32-year-old German, who is currently on a one-race deal with Caterham, insisted that he is ready for his Formula 1 debut and looking forward to compete at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

"I'm ready for this challenge and I cannot wait to jump in the car and make the most out of the weekend ahead," Lotterer said. "I will need to get settled and used to the car quickly, as the team has worked on a number of updates and we will need to have as much time as possible out on track to optimise the car's performance."

"I really enjoy racing at the legendary circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, it's one of my favourite tracks and it's very close to where I grew up, so this makes the weekend even more special and one to remember," he added.

The German has not driven a Formula 1 car in more than a decade, but still has plenty of single-seater experience with him. He won Japan's Super Formula series title in 2011 and is running strong in this year's championship.

Caterham is currently 12th in the standings and their best finish was in Monaco, when Marcus Ericsson finished 11th, just outside the points.