Zoom Theissen keen on keeping Sauber in F1

Formula One on Wednesday was dealing with the loss of Toyota, but the Japanese carmaker's decision was the best possible news for those at Sauber's Hinwil headquarters.

The collapse of a confirmed team for 2010 opens the door for the newly Qadbak-owned outfit in the wake of BMW's departure.

Registered as the 14th of a 13-team field, Sauber is dependent on the withdrawal of a competitor to gain access to next year's championship, unless all remaining teams agree to amend the regulations and open a 14th space - in the event that the Toyota operation is taken up by a buyer and remains a competitor.

Selling the team was mentioned as an option earlier on Wednesday, but it is believed that Toyota team boss John Howett has played down that possibility.

Instead, Toyota Motorsport GmbH could live on with another project for the Japanese manufacturer, such as establishing a Le Mans Series team.

"Toyota Motor Corporation will race in various categories," the carmaker said without elaborating.

If Toyota's departure effectively leaves an empty garage in the Formula One paddock, the Sauber team is more than willing to move in.

"We will be discussing the effect (of Toyota's departure) for the BMW Sauber team with the FIA," team boss Mario Theissen is quoted as saying by the news agency SID.

Speaking from the Race of Champions event in Beijing, German driver Sebastian Vettel pointed out the human element of Toyota's decision.

"Of course it's really bad for the 600 people who work there," said Vettel, according to the Bild newspaper. "The question is what happens now with them?"

D.B. © CAPSIS International
Source: GMM