Following the breaking news earlier today that Downton F1 were close to signing a contract with someone or something Dutch - believed to be an engine deal with Team 23 - it has now been confirmed they have appointed BMW Zyla reject driver Felix Beyer as race driver in place of Kip Maxwell. As soon as BMW Zyla were excluded Downton announced he was happy to take both Ellington and Beyer on board as drivers if he were allowed, although CEO Nic Morley blocked the move after reiterating the rule from earlier in the season that drivers could not switch teams.
After several discussions between the two parties however Morley allowed Downton to sign Beyer at 25% of his current price stating that he would allow 'any driver who has already raced in the series - but does not currently have a contract - to be signed to another team for 25% of their current price'. 'We are very happy to announce Felix Beyer will be joining the team as of the French Grand Prix in place of Kip Maxwell. Kipper has been feeling under the weather in the build up to the race but on top of that we can confirm that he will miss at least three races. Kipper has been unlucky this year and not really where we - or he - expected or hoped he would be. We desperately need points to help us move up the Championship standings so we are in a strong enough position next year to give Kipper a car that can fight for wins and possibly the Championship. Obviously, changing both drivers in the space of two races isn't ideal but Felix proved with BMW Zyla that he is a class driver capable of scoring points - something we unfortunately haven't seen from Kipper yet - and with Scotty still out and not looking like he'll be back this season we need someone with experience. Marcus will keep his seat for a few races although we will now be alternating between the three drivers in a bid to maximize the points. With regards to Scotty, he has finally come out of his coma. He is talking and the doctors are continuing tests. We hope you all appreciate that there will be little news on his condition as he recovers out of respect to him and his family.' While talking Downton was also questioned on the prospect of his engines powering Championship challengers Team 23 next year as well as the technical partnership and openly revealed: 'We are in talks, that is undeniable. It would be fantastic to power a team such as Team 23 but we understand they will have doubts. We have sent them all the information on the engines at present and if they require anything else we will send them that as well. We are happy to supply the engines and the ball is now firmly in their court. With regards to the technical partnership - obviously it would be fantastic for us - but again - this is completely up to them. We are openly in talks with them about engines, the partnership and drivers - and if they want us to run someone - we are happy to enter discussions.
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