Sauber News Briefs - 10/11/03

By Jamie Makin
November 10 2003

Felipe Massa teamed up with Rubens Barrichello, Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti in the Granja Viana, a 500 mile endurance karting event in Brazil last weekend.

As the defending champions from last year's race, they hoped for a good result again this year, but finished 13th of 70 teams that participated due to a 5 minute time penalty for receiving outside help with repairing the kart during the race. This year's win went to Christian Fittipaldi, Mario Haberfeld and Charles Fonseca.

Both Fisichella and Massa have 2-year contracts with Sauber beginning in 2004. Fisichella confirmed this week that he has an "escape clause" should one of the big teams want him for 2005, and it is suspected that Felipe Massa has a similar arrangement. Fisichella told f1i.com, "I wanted to show Sauber that I am committed to work hard for them," when asked why he opted for a 2-year deal. But, "Peter Sauber said that if there is an offer from one of the top three teams, I would be able to leave," said Giancarlo.

Meanwhile, Felipe Massa may continue to test for Ferrari next year alongside Luca Badoer during times when he is not required to test at Sauber. This will effectively fill Ferrari's second test driver position, closing the door on hopefuls Allan McNish and Luciano Burti.

2003 Sauber drivers Nick Heidfeld and Heinz-Harald Frentzen are still without work for 2004. Frentzen recently ruled out a switch to the US-based IndyCar Series. Heidfeld, concerned about keeping his F1 hopes alive, visited the Jordan factory this week to talk to Eddie Jordan about a possible contract. Heidfeld, does however, have an upcoming drive for the German team in the Race of Champions rally coming up later this month.