SAUBER Explains Absence from Principals Meeting

Peter Sauber
By Jamie Makin
December 19 2004

SAUBER PETRONAS recently went against Ferrari's wishes in singing the Cost Savings Initiative. The team principals met in London recently to discuss these plans further. It was no surprise when Ferrari did not show up but more perplexing to hear that SAUBER was absent as well.

Was this another case of SAUBER siding with Ferrari? It would seem unlikely given the latest rumours that have them ending their long-standing partnership at the end of next season. So why was Peter Sauber absent then?

"Peter was simply unavailable due to an earlier commitment. The invitation came on short notice," a team spokesperson told f1racing.net.

It still seems suspicious given that Ferrari's Jean Todt used the same excuse. However, with SAUBER nearing completion of their C24 and searching for replacement sponsorship for the recently departed Red Bull there is a good chance that Peter was being sincere. The meeting failed to resolve anything so it may not matter anyway. We will wait to see what SAUBER's position is at the next meeting.

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