Sauber will have an all new 2015 driver line-up after confirming that Felipe Nasr will partner the previously confirmed Marcus Ericsson next season.
The team also confirmed that Brazilian bank Banco do Brasil – a long-term sponsor of Nasr – will also become a partner, suggesting they are paying for the 22-year-old to race for the team.
Nasr has F1 experience with Williams after competing in several FP1 sessions for the team this season in his role as test and reserve driver.
The Brazilian is also second in the GP2 championship race with four race wins and won the 2011 British Formula 3 championship.
Speaking about the announcement, team principal Monisha Kaltenborn said: “We have been following Felipe’s career path for some time now, and he fully deserves his position in Formula One having had a very successful career in junior categories.
“We are happy that he will be driving for our team next year. This means that Brazil will have one more young and talented driver in the sport.
“Banco do Brasil has been an important partner for Felipe so far, and we are delighted that such a renowned company is contuing to support him during this important step. We look forward to this partnership.”
Nasr added: “It is a very important step in my career to sign with the Sauber F1 Team for the 2015 Formula One World Championship. This is an unforgettable moment that I owe to all of those who have supported me – my family, my friends, my sponsors, my teams and my country. Today the dream has come true.
“Sauber was responsible for the arrival in F1 of great names such as Felipe Massa, Kimi Raikkonen, Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel. I am proud now to also be part of this racing family. I had a wonderful year at Williams Martini, where I learned a lot and prepared myself to be a race driver in Formula One.”
The news of Ericsson and Nasr’s appointment leaves both Adrian Sutil and Esteban Gutierrez without a seat for 2015 as both are yet to confirm their plans.
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