From GMM
Sauber confirmed on Tuesday morning that Pedro de la Rosa is leaving the Swiss team with immediate effect.
The Hinwil based outfit said the Spanish veteran will be replaced for the forthcoming Singapore grand prix and beyond by former team driver Nick Heidfeld.
The 33-year-old German's contract will run "until the end of the season", added Sauber in a media statement.
The deal begins on Friday, presumably so Heidfeld can test one more time with Pirelli this week in Spain.
Peter Sauber explains: "It was a hard decision for me to make as a team principal and I want to thank Pedro for his professionalism. By signing Nick we have a driver we know extremely well who will help us to further judge the comparative potential of our car."
Pedro de la Rosa, who returned to the grid this year after seven years as McLaren's test driver, said he was "surprised" by the decision. "I am surprised by the team´s decision, but I respect it and would like to wish everyone good luck for the remainder of the season. I still intend to be in Formula 1 for 2011."
Nick Heidfeld says: "I'm looking forward like crazy to having the opportunity to go racing again in a good car in Formula 1 from the Singapore Grand Prix onwards. After the last months I'm even more motivated than ever."
"For me it is like coming home, as I raced for seven years in total for the team from Hinwil. Without doubt I will be feeling at home straight away and this should help me to familiarise myself as soon as possible with the car. I want to thank Peter Sauber for the faith he has put in me."
No mention was made of Heidfeld's role with Pirelli, but it is reported he will have to leave the job, with Pedro de la Rosa being an ideal successor.
Sauber confirmed on Tuesday morning that Pedro de la Rosa is leaving the Swiss team with immediate effect.
The Hinwil based outfit said the Spanish veteran will be replaced for the forthcoming Singapore grand prix and beyond by former team driver Nick Heidfeld.
The 33-year-old German's contract will run "until the end of the season", added Sauber in a media statement.
The deal begins on Friday, presumably so Heidfeld can test one more time with Pirelli this week in Spain.
Peter Sauber explains: "It was a hard decision for me to make as a team principal and I want to thank Pedro for his professionalism. By signing Nick we have a driver we know extremely well who will help us to further judge the comparative potential of our car."
Pedro de la Rosa, who returned to the grid this year after seven years as McLaren's test driver, said he was "surprised" by the decision. "I am surprised by the team´s decision, but I respect it and would like to wish everyone good luck for the remainder of the season. I still intend to be in Formula 1 for 2011."
Nick Heidfeld says: "I'm looking forward like crazy to having the opportunity to go racing again in a good car in Formula 1 from the Singapore Grand Prix onwards. After the last months I'm even more motivated than ever."
"For me it is like coming home, as I raced for seven years in total for the team from Hinwil. Without doubt I will be feeling at home straight away and this should help me to familiarise myself as soon as possible with the car. I want to thank Peter Sauber for the faith he has put in me."
No mention was made of Heidfeld's role with Pirelli, but it is reported he will have to leave the job, with Pedro de la Rosa being an ideal successor.