2011 F-1 Driver Line-Ups Start Trickling Through, but Who Will Fill Empty Spots?

We are now firmly marooned in the part of the year that we all dread: the out season. 

But there is one thing that always keeps us interested during this seemingly never ending period: That is the much anticipated driver line-ups for the season to come. 

Some have been confirmed, some have not. So, who do we think will fill these empty seats?

The "Super Four," as they have fondly become know as, are all confirmed and have stuck with there 2010 pairings, and this is a topic in itself. 

Do all eight deserve their 2011 drives? 

You can't knock either of the Mclaren boys—they both did their jobs to the maximum, as did the Red Bulls, but you have to argue that 50% of the Mercedes GP and Ferrari teams could have done better.

I'm not going to go into too much depth, but the theory that Schumacher spent 2010 undoing all the great achievements of his career makes me wonder why he's going to put himself through it for a second term.

Ross Brawn is convinced that Pirelli tyres will make all the difference to his next campaign, but I think the bottom line is simply that there are better drivers on the grid. Nick Heidfeld, I believe, would be a better teammate for Rosberg to complete the all German line up.

Then there was the difficult season of Felipe Massa. What with the previous season's accident and a very bullish new teammate, could or should the Brazilian have done better? 

We know he is world class at times, but to be the best in this game, you have to remain focused and undeterred at all times. I think he will definitely bring it to Fernando next year and how sparks will fly if he does! 

There are also rumors circling that Ferrari are interested in Hulkenberg. Could there be a shock signing?

Lotus have also confirmed they are staying with Kovalainen and Trulli for another season. Both did as much as they could with a fledgling car and will certainly look to get themselves in the mid table next year. 

Sauber have stuck with Kobayashi, which is understandable and have signed the first new name on the grid with the Mexican Sergio Perez. He earned his place, coming in second in the GP2 series—clocking four wins in the process.

And now for the empty seats. 

Force India are yet to name their pilots, although I think it would be a travesty if Adrian Sutil wasn't back for another crack. While he had a couple of shockers, he also had some great moments this year. 

With the inaugural Indian GP looming next year, Karun Chandhok has got to be a serious contender in this team. He is also a great lad and dealt with a difficult car for anyone to start their F1 career in.

Paul di Resta will be another serious contender, especially as he's just taken the DTM title. He has been the reserve driver with the team during 2010 and has made no secret of his intentions to break into F1.

Renault have only confirmed Robert Kubica so far, as they are still debating over their Russian number two. He didn't have a great season, but towards the later end he certainly started to show much more promise. His Abu Dhabi drive was flawless, but will it be enough to keep him in the team? The sponsorship he was providing will certainly be difficult to let go of for any manufacturer in this current climate. 

Kimi Raikkonen was penned to be looking for his return via the French manufacturer, but that theory seems to have faded. Having said that, F1 has a habit of pulling unexpected news out, and I wonder if it could still be a possibility. I for one would love to see him back on the grid. 

Could this also be an opportunity for Hulkenberg or Heidfeld? Kubica has definitely made it clear that he would like to see his old BMW teammate back in the same camp. I think Heidfeld definitely deserves another drive after an up-and-down year.

Rubens is the only dead cert at this stage for Williams. His experience is much valued at this team.

Hulkenberg didn't seem to do enough this year despite his lucky pole at Interlagos. Another opportunity for Heidfeld to broker a drive perhaps?

Torro Rosso are also yet to make things official, but it seems unlikely that they will change anything for next year. They have signed a new reserve driver, Australian Daniel Ricciardo from the Red Bull young driver program. He is super keen and will pile the pressure on Buemi and Alguersuari for a race seat.

HRT and Virgin have not named any names either but I would be surprised if major changes were made there. HRT seemed to have a never ending change in their line-up throughout the season this year, which was almost a good thing as it gave more drivers race experience, which is hard to get when starting out. 

Virgin stayed consistent with their pairing and until the car becomes more competitive, there seems little point in changing things. Having said that, with the new Russian backing at the newly named Marussia Virgin Racing and Petrov without a drive, you have to wonder whether you will see him make an appearance there.

So, that's pretty much that so far. Time will tell how things will end up, as we sit tight until the lights go out in Bahrain.