Almost all Sauber's sponsorship is from Slim; Telmex, Claro and Telcel. So they won't get rid of Gutierrez until that disappears.
If you are scraping the barrel this is almost news: Button not tempted to leave McLaren F1 team despite 2013 struggles Jenson Button insists that McLaren's disappointing form this year has not left him tempted to consider a move elsewhere on the grid. The former world champion has yet to finish on the podium this year, and his chances of a big step forward over the remainder of the campaign are slim with his team now focused on its 2014 car. But despite admitting there is 'nothing certain' about him definitely being part of McLaren's line-up for next year, Button says that he remains committed to staying where he is. "If this was a team that was consistently finishing fourth or fifth in championship then of course I would look elsewhere," said Button, who joined McLaren in 2010 after winning the world championship the previous year. "In that case, I would look to one of the frontrunning teams to step up to, somewhere that could give me a race-winning car. "But this isn't a team that is finishing four of fifth in the constructors'. This is a bad year and in years to come this team will be fighting for world championships. I am not looking around like some people might think."
Bernie has said, perhaps unsurprisingly, that F1 cannot help Sauber with their financial problems, but he hopes they can help themselves out of them. http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1...er-can-resolve-their-current-financial-plight Contains this glorious quote:
Rumour on Autosport has it that both Hulkenberg and Ricciardo have had seat fittings with Lotus If true it means Kimi will almost definitely be at RBR (I didn't want Dan there anyway).
Is it not too early for a seat fitting for next year? Maybe they're looking at replacing Grosjean mid-season. It wouldn't be the first time Boullier has done that, and to be honest Grosjean is having a terrible season - 35% of Raikkonen's points (compare that to other top teams: Webber has 59% of Vettel's points, Massa has 46% of Alonso's points, Rosberg has 85% of Hamilton's points).
Or maybe Webber is going before the end of the season and Kimi will move to Red Bull mid-season!!! I know, I know, living in dream world again.
http://www.sauberf1team.com/en/seas...poration-international-fonds-dem-staatlich-1/ 15.07.2013 - We are pleased to announce a partnership between the Investment Cooperation International Fund, the State Fund of Development of North-West Russian Federation and the National Institute of Aviation Technologies with Sauber Motorsport AG, incorporating the promotion of the sport Formula 1 in Russia and jointly developing high-technological solutions. With the National Institute of Aviation Technologies, one of the leading scientific research institutions in Russia, the Sauber F1 team will benefit from the advanced know-how of the front-end Russian scientists and engineers. The objective of the partnership is to open up new perspectives and revenue streams by commercialising jointly developed technologies. The partnership includes further activities for the promotion of the inaugural Formula 1 Grand Prix in Sochi in 2014 and attracting the talented young Russian generation towards motorsport. In particular, a development programme will be set up for the Russian driver Sergey Sirotkin to prepare him as a racing driver for the team in 2014. This extensive co-operation will showcase Russian innovation at the pinnacle of motorsport. At the same time, the Sauber F1 Team will have a solid foundation to increase its competitiveness on a long-term basis. Details of the cooperation will be communicated at a later stage. Investment Cooperation International Fund, www.icifund.org/en/about/ The Investment Cooperation International Fund (ICIF) was established with the support of the Administration of the President, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation. The Fund contributes to the development of specific technology programs and technical upgrades of the industry. In addition, it invests in Russian regions and the development and modernisation of industrial enterprises. The State Fund of Development of North-West Russian Federation, www.gosfond.org/contacts.html The State Fund of Development of the North-West is a not for profit organisation established to finance programs, projects and activities supporting the economic, scientific and cultural heritage of the North-West region of the Russian Federation. National Institute of Aviation Technologies, www.niat.ru NIAT is one of the leading scientific institutes in Russia. With nearly 1000 employees, NIAT greatly contributes to the development of technologies as well as the aviation industry.
Im Glad Sauber have been saved but still sad they will be used as a national team. Top Russian Scientists.... please log in to view this image
Hooray Glad Sauber are sticking around and that this is just an investment and there is no change to shareholding or management. Such good news. Wonder if they'll still be able to keep Hulkenberg if Lotus come calling though? Now I must play devil's advocate and point out the interesting news. Now, that's probably going to throw a spanner in the works of Frijns' plans, given that he needs to make the step up pretty soon and Sauber have evidently been grooming him as best they can. Although I will add I feared the worst when I saw the news, Sirotkin isn't that bad from the looks of things. Currently in 8th place in the FR3.5 championship, has a habit of doing well in race one and then struggling in race two. Don't think he should be forced into F1 at too young an age and on too little prep though.
Massa's Manager is apparently looking into Force India and Lotus Seats? Could possibly tie in with the Bianchi-Ferrari noise.
Unless they plan on ditching Gutierrez, who hasn't performed at all this year, and replacing him with Frijns. Although I'm sure Mr Slim wouldn't be impressed...
As I mentioned earlier, I think Slim is moving his focus to Perez and McLaren to fully promote his brand. Otherwise why didn't he pitch up the money to save sauber. I think Guitierrez's seat has been sold to Russia. Frijns could have a shot at next years #2 seat as an interim if Sirotkin is not ready.
So do we reckon Hulkenberg's sticking about for another season? Or will someone else come in to replace him?
I think if he had the chance to move to Ferrari or Lotus then he will. Sauber would then need a new #1. Massa?
One thing that is possible is that this something has been lost in translation and Sirotkin (I had to look up his name then) will be driving for Sauber but only in the Russian GP. A Karthikeyan-esque deal, if you will. Partly I say that because I hope drivers like Frijns don't get kicked out for him, as much as I think he is a potential talent.
If they go full Russian on this thing we could end up with a Petrov-Sirotkin pairing. Assuming Hulk jumps ship and Gut gets thrown theres two spaces in the team, would they risk 2 rookies in Sirotkin and Frijns?
Petrov has seemingly vanished off the face of the Earth I think. As far I'm aware he hasn't been signed up for any other motorsport category since he got ditched at the end of last year, his website has been taken down, and I haven't heard of an interview from him for months.
