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SMP boss: Sirotkin was chosen on ability

Published on 11 Feb 2018 16:12
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By: Fergal Walsh

Boris Rotenberg, co-founder of SMP Racing, insists that Sergey Sirotkin was chosen by Williams due to his abilities. Sirotkin will make his F1 debut later this year in Australia, as the Russian driver has been hired as Felipe Massa's replacement.

Sirotkin found himself in contention for a seat with the Grove-based team when he was scheduled in for a post-season test at Abu Dhabi. While it is no secret that the 22-year-old will bring Williams plenty of sponsor money, Rotenberg has stated that Sirotkin was chosen due to his abilities in the car.

"Money is always an important part of motorsport, it's an expensive sport," he said. "But here it's not a money principle. It's Sergey, who's proven he can work with the car. He can be as fast as the team's regular drivers. He can work with the machinery, the engineers, and establish a great relationship with the team. That's why Williams chose him. Because in Abu Dhabi he did the best he could and surprised everybody."

Sirotkin was one of many contendors for the seat, as Paul di Resta, Pascal Wehrlein, Daniil Kvyat and Robert Kubica were eyeing the drive. Speaking about Sirotkin's sponsorship money, Rotenberg said it will aid Williams' technical growth: "We're investing money, but we're investing it in technology, in the new car, that we'll see in February and going forward."

SMP Racing chief executive Dmitry Samorukov added: "The monetary part will be directed at the development of technologies, for the car to go faster. To be even more precise: we know that the financial cooperation with Williams will go towards improving the car. Whatever the money is, it will go towards making the car more competitive."

Kean

Posts: 692

If he didn't have the money, he wouldn't have been given a chance. Likely Williams have signed the best financially backed driver, but that does not make him the best driver out there without an F1 seat.

1
Feb 11 2018 - 21:56

F1 News Felipe Massa Daniil Kvyat Pascal Wehrlein Sergey Sirotkin Robert Kubica Paul di Resta Williams

Replies (8)

f1fan0101

Posts: 1,804
I hope so. I want him to do well
- + 0
- Feb 11 2018 - 18:02
- Jutlandia
  
  Posts: 191
  Why?
  + 0
  
  Feb 11 2018 - 20:23
- f1fan0101
  
  Posts: 1,804
  Because he's a young driver arriving in the sport and has the right to be there. It would also deliver a good smack to the face for those who call Williams a team who only care about money
  + 0
  
  Feb 11 2018 - 21:34
Kean

Posts: 692
If he didn't have the money, he wouldn't have been given a chance. Likely Williams have signed the best financially backed driver, but that does not make him the best driver out there without an F1 seat.
- + 1
- Feb 11 2018 - 21:56
Rindtchamp

Posts: 304
lol sure.. pull the other one, it has bells on it.
The thing that sealed the deal was one thing and one thing only $$$$$$$
- + 0
- Feb 11 2018 - 23:47
ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
I hope so. I have serious doubts, but I hope Sirotkin is the real deal.
- + 0
- Feb 12 2018 - 02:59
mclarenfan1968

Posts: 1,027
Maybe so because pretty clearly Kubica couldn't make it work in terms of raw pace. There is simply more money to had than any sponsorship deal by simply winning more constructors points.
- + 0
- Feb 12 2018 - 06:37
calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
I hope so. We'll see. I think walking is better than talking.
- + 0
- Feb 12 2018 - 16:25