Amid a rampant Silly Season, with Felipe Nasr linked to a move to Williams should Valtteri Bottas depart to Ferrari, Sauber have made an early announcement that they will be retaining their current line-up for the the 2016 season.
The team announced in a press release: "Before the summer break, the Sauber F1 Team is pleased to announce the extension of the contracts with Marcus Ericsson (24) and Felipe Nasr (22). The Swede and the Brazilian will again form the driver line-up for the Swiss Team in the 2016 FIA Formula One World Championship."
Team principal Monisha Kaltenborn explained, "We are pleased about the extension of the contracts with Marcus and Felipe. This early point in time shows that the drivers and the team are sure they are heading in the right direction. We have full confidence in the talents and skills of Marcus and Felipe. Both have shown solid performances, gained experience and learnt quickly."
"We enjoy having them in the team and they give it a positive boost. Despite their young ages, they work very professionally – on as well as off the track. Marcus and Felipe are already involved in a very dedicated way with the development of next year’s Sauber C35," concluded Kaltenborn.
Nasr, who has been critical of the team's lack of development in the middle of the season, said, "It is great to be driving another season for the Sauber F1 Team. The extension to the contract with the Sauber F1 Team is an important step in my career. During the first half of the season, in what is my rookie year, I was able to gain a lot of experience from a driving perspective as well as on the personal side."
"Finishing fifth at my first ever Formula One race in Melbourne in the Australian Grand Prix is so far my career highlight. Now I am looking forward to the second half of the season. My objective is to support the team as best I can, and also with regard to the development of the new car," added the Brazilian.
Ericsson, who has been out performed by his rookie teammate, commented, "I’m very happy that the Sauber F1 Team has put its trust in my potential for another year. Up to now I have some good memories of my first year with the long-standing Swiss team. I had a great start from the very beginning, and it is worth mentioning my first points in Formula One that I scored right away during the season-opener."
The Sweded continued, "I am getting to know everyone within the team more and more, and feel I am being appreciated as a valuable driver. I feel honoured to be part of the Sauber Motorsport family, and I will continue to do my very best to succeed."
At the opening race of the season in Melbourne former Sauber reserve driver Giedo van der Garde took the team court claiming he had signed and paid to drive for the outfit in 2015. The matter was settled out of court.
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