Kobayashi and Baguette set to join Sauber
By The Offsider
December 15 2009
The word in Japan is that youngster Kamui Kobayashi has secured a seat at Sauber. We weren't able to confirm it through our sources, but it's clear it would make sense, with Peter Sauber claiming that he wanted an experienced driver and a young talent, and naming Kamui in his shortlist.
Kobayashi is believed to be backed by strong sponsors, with no less than 5 million euros, and made a strong impression in his two debut races, in Brazil and Abu Dabhi, while replacing injured Timo Glock at Toyota.
The other seat will depend on what Heidfeld does, and in case he doesn't join the Hinwil squad, the best placed to take the seat are Pedro de la Rosa and Giancarlo Fisichella.
Yesterday we published that Bob Bell had revealed their 2nd driver would be Heidfeld or Kobayashi, but with Kamui moving to Sauber and Heidfeld still waiting for Mercedes' decision, things may take a further twist...
On another note, Bertand Baguette's manager has told to the Belgian press that the Belgian driver will get the test and reserve driver role in Sauber. Baguette drove for BMW Sauber during the last day of the youngsters' test in Jerez, and is the last winner of the World Series by Renault. He drove for the French team on those test too.
And on a final note, we hear that Petronas will remain on board, as earlier speculated. Additionally Turun Sanomat is reporting that the Sauber car may be a bit behind schedule and may fail to make it to the first Valencia tests, on 1-3rd February.
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Risky business I would say, but Peter has very good eye for drivers (he was the one who pushed Schumacher's F1 arrival), and if Koby comes with money/sponsors better than better.
As for Baguette, he has lots of talent, although of the new generation the best one seems to be Bianchi, but he is tied with Ferrari.
So now looking forward to what Nick does...
Racing against the machine!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:12:16:09:35:34 by BMWF1Talk.
Peter would like that in the coffers.
P.S. Every team needs a baguette to accompany the meat and cheese, no ?
sessions
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:12:16:16:54:48 by sessions.
Quote:Gemm
he is Belgian afaik
But he is connected with Renault somehow isnt he?
Anyway jokes about his second name are probably boring after couple of threads on Autosport and planet f1.
On more serious note, wonder when we will know Sauber's line-up.
Quote:Walsingham
But he is connected with Renault somehow isnt he?
He's World Series by Renault Champion.