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August 30, 2012
Published on tags: Superleague
With only 5 rounds of the 2012 GPVWC Simink Superleague left to run team managers are starting to look at their driver line ups for 2013. Rumours are in the air and verbal contracts have already been signed. But who's going where in 2013?

In this first instalment, we look at the current top 12 in the drivers standings. Big names, big salaries. The pointy end of the driver market. Midnight's domination in 2012 has left the 2011 big guns Nordsjoen, Red Archer and Draig scratching their heads. Teams were forced to buy urgent upgrades at top dollar to keep with the frontrunners pace, and in return left a worrying look on their accountants faces. 2013 is shaping up for a big shuffle in the driver lineups.

Lukas Euler - 159 points

The most dominant driver all season, and possibly of all-time in GPVWC. Lukas has risen to the challenge time and time again, and delivered with style, grace and conviction. The current record holder for consecutive pole positions, Lukas has yet to be beaten in a qualifying session in 2012. Few drivers this season have finished ahead of Lukas and not won the race, and equally few have taken the fastest race lap from him. Midnight would be insane to lose him, and no other team managers can offer him what Midnight have given him, let alone afford him. Quite frankly I don't see him going anywhere.

2013 prediction: Midnight Motorsport (TBC)

Nick Rowland - 126 points

Mr Consistency himself. Prior to the Belgian GP Nick had finished on the podium 10 out of a possible 11 times. He's never been on pole, and never achieved fastest lap, but he's shadowed his dominant team mate all season, and when Lukas hit trouble Nick was there to deliver for the team. Having wrapped up the constructors title with Lukas in Spa, Nick may feel like his job is done and open a door for Midnight reserve driver Alex Cooper in 2013. If Nick isn't driving a Midnight next season, I doubt we'll see him on the grid.

2013 prediction: Midnight Motorsport / sabbatical

Dave Carr-Smith - 101 points

Despite missing the first 3 rounds of the championship he has forced his way into the title fight in spectacular style. One of only 2 drivers to finish every race he has contested in the points, Dave is possibly the hottest property on the driver market for 2013. But who can afford him? His current value is rumoured to be over 7.5 million. Not bad for a reserve driver.

2013 prediction: Hawkeye / Nordsjoen / Woods

Lee Morris - 85 points

One of the most feared drivers on the racetrack. His 'bearish' style and relentless determination has seen Lee drag one of the worst handling cars on the grid onto the podium 4 times this season, with a victory at the Monaco GP, regarded the most demanding track on the calendar. Determined to take on the team manager challenge, Lee wishes to enter his own team in 2013.

2013 prediction: Morris GP (TBC)

Jamez Shepherd - 60 points

A late entrant to the 2012 season, Jamez has wasted no time in making a name for himself. Known and respected for his ability to make unexpected strategies come to fruition throughout an event the Australian has scored an impressive four podiums from just six starts, taking top fours on every occasion for two teams that had previously never threatened the higher echelons of the field. Given that he is widely expected to remain with Hawkeye for 2013, expect big things from Jamez in 2013.

2013 prediction: Hawkeye (TBC)

Ruud Heesterbeek - 52 points

Every race Ruud's finished this season he's brought the Nijo home in the points, and more often than not doing so with faster cars behind him. The silent Dutchman slips under the radar and could easily be forgotten by managers when deciding who to offer a contract to. My bet is that Ruud is on the way up. Expect to see this guy on the podium in 2013.

2013 prediction: Nordsjoen / Hawkeye / Red Archer

Ojay Clark - 36 points

After a difficult start to the season with only 1 points finish in China for the Synergetic team, Ojay has shone since joining Red Archer in Korea. The only driver this season to make Lukas Euler twitch during a qualifying session, Ojay narrowly missed out on pole in Zandvoort, proving he's no cucumber. A potential race winner in 2013 if he can land a good seat, and rumoured to be in Lee Morris' sights for the new Morris team (application awaiting approval).

2013 prediction: Morris GP / Red Archer

Simon Cattell - 36 points

Despite a string of points finishes, Simon has had a yo-yo of a season. Often struggling with the car or incidents, he has suffered 3 retirements and 2 finishes outside of the points. Although a very talented driver, Simon's performances in 2012 could be reflected as hit and miss, but his battle with Lee Morris in Hungary will go down as one of the highlights of the season. Many had high expectations of Simon this year, perhaps 2013 will be kinder to him with a more competitive car.

2013 prediction: Red Archer / Nordsjoen / Draig / Kernow

Joe Consiglio - 34 points

Having retired from racing at the Spanish GP, it isn't likely that we'll see the 2011 champion on the grid again in 2013, but if we do the only likely candidate would be Nordsjoen.

2013 prediction: NIL

Janne Tanskanen - 30 points

Like Joe, the 2010 champion Janne Tanskanen called it quits midway through the season. Rumoured to be frustrated by a lack of wins and a car that couldn't give him the results he wanted, Janne left the Superleague in a huff. Short of being given a rocketship car in 2013 it's unlikely Mr Tanskanen will back for more (or less).

2013 prediction: NIL

Pavel Loknovski - 29 points

Pavel's had a troubled season in 2012, yet he's always done the best job with the tools available. Hampered by controller issues and his world champion team mate departing the team earlier in the season, Nordsjoen's hopes of staying alive have often rested entirely on Pavel's shoulders. With the team failing to finish either car higher than 3rd all season, Nordsjoen would be sensible to hold on the man who has been there for them all season, and focus on finding him a more reliable teammate in 2013.

2013 prediction: Nordsjoen

David Jundt - 24 points

The most consistent driver of 2011, finishing no lower than 8th all season, and racking up 9 podiums along the way, has fallen a long way short of expectations in 2012. David's start to the 2012 season could be described as nothing short of disastrous, failing to finish in the points until the fifth round in Spain. Bested by his teammates all season, and often battling with much slower cars, it may be time for Red Archer to rethink signing Mr Jundt again for 2013.

2013 prediction: SuperCup

Part two coming soon...