• Sauber

Giancarlo Fisichella linked to Sauber drive

ESPNF1 Staff
January 5, 2010 « Flavio Briatore to learn fate | »
Giancarlo Fisichella raced for Sauber in 2004 and is hoping to return in 2010 © Sutton Images
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Giancarlo Fisichella has emerged as a strong contender for the remaining race seat at Sauber, according to reports in the European press.

A story in the Spanish periodical Diario AS said he is up against Pedro de la Rosa for the position alongside Kamui Kobayashi. De la Rosa was named as a strong favourite this week when reports suggested a deal was all but signed. Team boss Peter Sauber revealed that a second driver had been signed, but only said that he was an "experienced man" who was arriving from another F1 team.

Fisichella raced for Force India and Ferrari last year and currently has a contract as a test driver for the Italian squad. However, he has said he can combine that role with a race seat if he finds the right opportunity and Ferrari, Sauber's new engine supplier, is believed to be putting pressure on the team to sign him. Germany's Auto Motor und Sport has also linked Fisichella to the drive while other reports have added Christian Klien as yet another candidate.

Last year's race driver Nick Heidfeld has not been mentioned and, according to German newspaper Bild, he has been offered a test role with Mercedes. Heidfeld hoped to secure the race seat alongside Nico Rosberg but was beaten to the post by Michael Schumacher.

Aside from Sauber the only other unconfirmed race seats are at Renault, Campos US F1 and Toro Rosso.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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