- Sauber
Ericsson secures Sauber drive for 2015
Sauber has signed Marcus Ericsson to drive in 2015, offering the Caterham driver a career lifeline after his 2014 team went into administration last week.
With the help of financial backing, Ericsson made his debut with Caterham this year and scored his best result of the season at the second round in Malaysia. For the most part he has been outqualified and outraced by his team-mate Kamui Kobayashi, but showed improved form in the final few races before Caterham's collapse.
Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn said she is confident his form will continue to improve next year.
"We are pleased to announce this cooperation," she said. "We have got to know Marcus as a highly motivated driver. He did not have an easy rookie season this year in Formula One, however, he kept calm and improved continuously, mainly in the last races. We are convinced that signing Marcus can give the team a fresh impetus."
Ericsson travelled to the US Grand Prix this weekend to meet with Sauber and is delighted to secure the deal.
"Fresh from a very turbulent week, I was suddenly given my best early Christmas present ever. The Sauber F1 Team has put its trust in me for 2015, and it makes me proud, as Sauber is known to be one of the best teams in developing young drivers. It will be a great challenge. I will give my very best to develop both as a driver, and to be part of the challenge to put the Sauber F1 Team back closer to the front where it belongs."
Sauber said its second driver would be announced at a later date, with Adrian Sutil confident he will remain at the team with his current agreement while current team-mate Esteban Gutierrez has admitted he is looking at other options. With Sauber making no secret of its financial difficulties this year, Ericsson's arrival should bring with it a welcome injection of funds next year.
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