Nick Heidfeld will replace Pedro de la Rosa at Sauber with immediate effect, the team has confirmed.
The move comes after rumours that such a switch was in the pipeline. Team principal Peter Sauber, explained the decision was to further improve the potential of next years car as Heidfeld has experience of the 2011 tyres.
“It was a hard decision for me to make as a team principal and I want to thank Pedro for his professionalism,” he said. “By signing Nick we have a driver we know extremely well who will help us to further judge the comparative potential of our car.”
The ex-Mercedes test driver says he is looking forward to returning to his previous team of seven years.
“I’m looking forward like crazy to having the opportunity to go racing again in a good car in Formula 1 from the Singapore Grand Prix onwards. After the last months I’m even more motivated than ever.
“For me it is like coming home, as I raced for seven years in total for the team from Hinwil. Without doubt I will be feeling at home straight away and this should help me to familiarise myself as soon as possible with the car. I want to thank Peter Sauber for the faith he has put in me.”
Meanwhile, outsed De la Rosa was surprised by the news and said the following: “I am surprised by the team´s decision, but I respect it and would like to wish everyone good luck for the remainder of the season.
“I still intend to be in Formula 1 for 2011”.
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