Giedo van der Garde

After finally making it to an F1 race seat in 2013, Giedo van der Garde returns to the substitutes' bench via a test and reserve role at Sauber in 2014, yet in many ways the likeable Dutchman can argue that his career trajectory continues upwards.

Fortnightly involvement in the cut and thrust of an F1 grand prix it may not be but after a season of racing at backmarkers Caterham, a year of watching and learning at established midfielders Sauber, with a handful of Friday practice outings and in-season tests thrown in, should afford van der Garde the chance to keep himself on Team Principals' radars.

While his arrival on the grid at the age of 27 was certainly late by modern-day standards, and the CT03 at his disposal didn't allow him to break away from the realm of backmarker, van der Garde still showed flashes of inspiration in his rookie year - especially in the wet, making Q2 in both Monaco and Belgium.

Indeed, enough teams have certainly seen something to be impressed by in the Rhenen-born driver's skillset over the years, including McLaren who signed him to their young driver programme way back in 2006.

Three years in the Formula Three Euroseries, during which time the rising star secured a best championship finish of sixth with ASM in his final season of 2006, was followed by van der Garde being signed by Super Aguri as their F1 reserve driver in December that year.

However, the then 21-year-old found himself at the centre of controversy just two months later when he was suddenly announced as test driver at the new Spyker team. After a contract dispute was resolved between the two rivals, he made his debut at the latter outfit's local Silverstone track in June 2007.

He continued in the role in 2008, when Spyker became Force India, whilst also competing in the World Series by Renault where he took the FR3.5 crown.

That remains van der Garde's sole title in single-seaters after a move to GP2 in late 2008, where he competed in both main and winter Asia series, saw him win five of his 82 races.

Van der Garde did have a successful karting career, however, winning the Dutch title in 1998 and the World title in 2002.