Sauber will announce its second driver for the 2010 season next week. Peter Sauber, the formerly BMW-owned team's boss and founder, wrote on his Twitter page: "Second driver to be announced next week. The team is ready to work. Happy New Year." Japan's Kamui Kobayashi, a refugee of Toyota's former F1 programme, was announced as the Hinwil based team's first race driver for 2010 two weeks ago.
Team incumbent Nick Heidfeld, who was part of Sauber's outfit in collaboration with BMW since 2006, had hoped to secure the second seat at Mercedes GP. Also believed a frontrunner for the second Sauber cockpit is Pedro de la Rosa, and the Belgian Bertrand Baguette is tipped for the reserve role.
If Pedro de la Rosa is in the running he might be bringing some cash that Heidfeld or Klien can not match. However, is it not like de la Rosa is lacking in speed and skills. While at McLaren he did well in a substitute role in 2005 scoring a 5th and when replaced Juan Pablo Montoya in 2006 after the Columbian went to NASCAR. If de la Rosa's name is being mentioned, I think Heidfeld's chance to remain with Sauber are very slim. However, I am still of the opinion that Klien deserves an opportunity.
Turns out this Twitter announcement was a fake. There is no time table on a complete Sauber line-up. However, Pedro de la Rosa's name has been connected with the job, which still leads me to think if Heidfeld has not signed yet he might not be in line for the job.
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