JANUARY 6, 2010

Sauber to launch new car on 31 January

Sauber has confirmed that it will reveal its 2010 car on 31 January at Valencia, the day before official testing gets underway for the new season.

Sauber has confirmed that it will reveal its 2010 car on 31 January at Valencia, the day before official testing gets underway for the new season.

Kamui Kobayashi has been confirmed as a driver for the team. Pedro de la Rosa, Giancarlo Fisichella and Nick Heidfeld all remain in the frame for the second seat.

The German's chances of retaining the seat have been boosted by Willy Rampf's decision to delay retiring for another year, as the pair have enjoyed a long successful working relationship together.

Nick Heidfeld recently said, "Mercedes decsion to hire Michael Schumacher affects me directly because it means there is a relevant less space for next year. I am not naive when I say, especially after the past few weeks, a lot of unexpected things can happen in Formula 1."

"Now we have to look forward and focus on the best long-term option for my future in Formula 1. I will continue to train hard, conduct talks with the appropriate people and to challenge my chance with all my might."

"I hope in the coming weeks to be able to announce something concrete about my future plans."