Van der Garde’s Caterham hopes ’shrink’ - report

Giedo van der Garde’s hopes of finally breaking into formula one in 2013 have "shrunk", according to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

The now 27-year-old flirted with a move to F1 several years ago with brief test roles at Super Aguri and Spyker, and while racing for Caterham’s GP2 team in 2012 he finished the F1 season as reserve driver for the green-coloured outfit.

With sponsor backing, the Dutchman was a leading candidate to be Charles Pic’s 2013 teammate.

Van der Garde’s new year has kicked off on a happy note with his engagement to his girlfriend, but De Telegraaf is reporting that Caterham incumbent Vitaly Petrov is now the hot favourite to complete the team’s 2013 race lineup.

Van der Garde’s manager Jan Paul ten Hoopen, however, said nothing has been decided.