SEPTEMBER 23, 1996

Herbert stays at Sauber

IN a surprise move Johnny Herbert last weekend signed a new two-year contract with Sauber.

IN a surprise move Johnny Herbert last weekend signed a new two-year contract with Sauber. The Englishman had been tipped as the man most likely to join Jackie Stewart's new F1 team.

The fact that Herbert was willing to turn down a Stewart offer - with works Ford engines - to sign a deal with Sauber would seem to suggest that he knows a little bit more about Sauber's engine plans than the rest of the paddock.

The second Sauber seat is still up for grabs, although we understand there is a five-name shortlist with includes RubensÊBarrichello, Martin Brundle, the team's tester Norberto Fontana and F1 aspirants Alexander Wurz and Jorg Muller. Barrichello is thought to be the favorite for Stewart GP now that Herbert is contracted elsewhere.