While Catherham is in talks with three potential buyers, it is expected to compete in next year's F1 season.

Financially troubled Caterham went into administration in October and missed the last two races in the United States and Brazil.

Kamui Kobayashi raced 14 times this season but was dropped for the Belgian Grand Prix in August.

Supporters can donate from 10 pounds ($16) and will receive rewards for their contribution, such as their name on the car if it competes in Abu Dhabi.

For the first time since 2005, there will be only nine teams in the paddock and some of them are competing in straitened circumstances.

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone spoke to the insolvency specialists who have been handed control of Caterham, which may have to miss the races in the United States and Brazil in the coming weeks.

Caterham's participation in next week's US Grand Prix is in doubt after administrators locked down their factory.

Sauber, Caterham and Marussia are struggling both on and off the track in the vastly expensive sport, with many predicting they will not have the resources to continue in F1 beyond the current season.

Former Dutch racing driver Christijan Albers said he had made his decision for 'private reasons'.

Born in Germany, but brought up in Belgium, Lotterer, 32, has raced in the British and German F3 series before being named Jaguar's F1 test driver in 2002 on his way to his F1 race debut this Sunday.

Andre Lotterer, who is a three-time Le Mans winner, has replaced Japan's Kamui Kobayashi for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix. Kobayashi will still remain part of the team.

Kamui Kobayashi realised something was wrong before his Caterham car began to create a burning smell and then burst into flames during the practice session.

Kamui Kobayashi said the change of ownership would help Caterham be more aggressive with their development programme thanks to an improved financial situation.

Former Dutch Formula one driver Christijan Albers, assisted by Manfredi Ravetto, will take over the day-to-day running of the Caterham racing team, reporting directly to the board and replacing Cyril Abiteboul, who will leave the team.

The 28-year-old from Rhenen, in only his 11th Grand Prix, took 14th place on the grid for Sunday's race at the famous and majestic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Belgian Ardennes, his best starting slot of the year.

Despite being dropped by Caterham, Kovalainen kept close contact with the team. He also drove for the outfit in FP1 in Bahrain and Spain to give them feedback on the 2013 car.

Stevens, currently in fourth place overall in the 2013 Formula Renault 3.5 Series, began his career in karts aged 11. By 2008, he was widely recognised as one of the top karters in the world, having secured European and Asia-Pacific titles with the factory Tony Kart team.

Van der Garde had already been hit with a 10-second drive-through penalty during the race for a dangerous manoeuvre as he was being lapped by Red Bull's Mark Webber.