FEBRUARY 22, 2002

Sauber keen to sign Verstappen as test driver

JOS VERSTAPPEN was in Switzerland for a seat fitting at Sauber on Thursday and has been offered the chance to test for the team. Verstappen's experience would be very useful for the Swiss team which has youngsters Nick Heidfeld and Felipe Massa. Verstappen is rather larger than the two drivers and if he is to get the drive there will have to be modifications made to the Sauber chassis although the fact that a seat was made would suggest that there will soon be an announcement that Verstappen is joining the team.

Verstappen was due to race for Arrows this year but was dumped at the last minute by the team. The Dutchman has suggested that he will take legal action but if he signs a deal with another team this is going to complicate his case.