JULY 15, 2015

Nasr plays down talk of team switch

Felipe Nasr has played down rumours linking him with a switch of teams for 2016.

Not only has the Brazilian been impressive on debut in 2015, he carries the significant backing of sponsor Banco do Brasil, whose colours feature prominently on this year's Sauber.

But Nasr, 22, is reportedly frustrated that the Swiss team is struggling to develop its 2015 machine.

He told UOL Esporte: "I want to help the team as much as possible to improve the situation.

"I think it has enormous potential to fight for points in most races of the season. I am firmly here (at Sauber), thinking about this year and the future with the team."

But that doesn't mean he might not also be thinking about a future elsewhere.

For instance, with Valtteri Bottas and Nico Hulkenberg both regularly mentioned on the 2016 driver market, there may be key vacancies at Williams or Force India.

"For my part I have not heard anything yet," Nasr insists. "Of course there are always rumours.

"But I'm still committed to Sauber, we have a plan to improve the car in 2016, we have a lot of work going on and have hired a new (technical) boss," he said, referring to Mark Smith.

(GMM)