F1: Liechtenstein firm linked with Sauber buyout

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From GMM

Following the links with Malaysian and Indian investors , yet more possible saviours of the BMW-Sauber team have now emerged.

Germany's Sport Bild mentioned Kaiser Ritter, a Liechtenstein wealth management firm, whose chief Fritz Kaiser co-owned the Hinwil based outfit until 1999.

It is said that Kaiser helped secure Petronas as a sponsor and was involved in Sauber's team management until he sold his 30 per cent stake ten years ago.

Sport Bild also said another group of potential investors is from the real estate sector in Luxembourg.

It is said that team boss Mario Theissen, who told Switzerland's Motorsport Aktuell that a Honda/Brawn-style management buyout is not likely, expects imminent decisions about 2010 and "even race wins" next year.

Technical director Willy Rampf also sounds bullish about the future, despite earlier indicating that he will leave formula one if BMW-Sauber folds.

Now, he comments: "I cannot leave my team in a difficult moment."