Heidfeld rumoured to make Sauber move
Speculation is mounting that Formula One driver Nick Heidfeld may be taking the wheel alongside Kamui Kobayashi for Sauber’s 2011 season. Though Kobayashi, who is currently 21 points up in the Driver’s Championship has been signed for next year, team-mate Pedro de la Rosa has not had his contract renewed. The 39 year-old Spaniard has scored only 6 points this season, and the team is hoping to catch a faster driver to match their Japanese talent.
Principal Peter Sauber states, according to BBC Sport, “Kamui has definitely fulfilled our expectations in terms of his speed and fighting spirit. Plus, his work with the engineers and his technical understanding has also developed very well. The experience he has built up over his first full season in Formula 1 will certainly stand him in good stead for 2011. And our aim is to give him a fast and reliable car from the outset next season.”
While Sauber declined to comment on the status of the vacant driver, Heidfeld is a likely choice, given that the 33 year-old has raced for the team during the 2001-03 season and for BMW Sauber from 2006-09. Currently testing for Pirelli which is set to make a big comeback next season as the sole tyre supplier of F1, Heidfeld began the season as test and reserve driver for Mercedes and is far from rusty.
If rumours prove true, then Heidfeld could return to Sauber as soon as the Singapore Grand Prix this season, which will be on 26 September. This would mean that Heidfeld would have to disengage himself from the Pirelli commitments, but the chance to race under the team he called home for seven years on the exciting F1 circuit could be too enticing for him to stick to the quieter track.
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