Sauber secures 2010 Formula 1 slot

[John S]

  It's official Sauber have got the 13th slot on the grid.  

By Jonathan Noble Today Autosport.com

Sauber has been granted the final slot on the Formula 1 grid, the FIA has announced, bringing to an end months of uncertainty about the future of the team.

The Swiss-based outfit had been hanging in limbo since the summer following BMW's decision to pull out of F1.

An original deal with Qadbak proved troublesome, especially because it came too late for the team to be guaranteed a place on the original 2010 grid - with the 13th slot having been handed to Lotus.

However, the post-season decision by Toyota to quit F1 handed Sauber a fresh chance to get back on the grid - and its hopes were further boosted when Peter Sauber took over the outfit following the eventual collapse of the deal with Qadbak.

With Toyota having relinquished its entry, the FIA confirmed on Thursday that Sauber's application to join the championship had been successful - meaning the team will be racing in F1 next year.

"The FIA has written to inform BMW Sauber AG that their application for an entry in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship has been successful," said a statement issued by the FIA.

"Subject to their signing the Concorde Agreement, BMW Sauber will be awarded the 13th entry in the Championship, taking the place of the departing Toyota team.

"The FIA has worked closely with the Commercial Rights Holder and the teams involved over recent weeks and is grateful for their support in achieving the best outcome for the sport."

[cosworth151]

Great news! Peter Sauber and his team deserve the spot. I'm a bit surprised to hear this. I've gotten so used to FOM and the FIA always doing the wrong thing, it's amazing to see them both get one right!

[Scott]

Months late, but fantastic news.  I wonder if we'll ever find out why it took so long for Todt and the boys to sort it out?

My guess is Heidfeld is going to be back, but regardless, it will be an interesting driver announcement.

[Alianora La Canta]

Yippee! Peter Sauber was an asset to F1 last time he was in the sport and I'm sure he will be again. He knows how to inspire the Hinwil staff too.

[Jericoke]

Months late, but fantastic news.  I wonder if we'll ever find out why it took so long for Todt and the boys to sort it out?

Well, Todt's the new guy, he doesn't want a reputation as someone who just rubber stamps any idea that comes along.  There might even be more pressing issues for the president of the FIA. 

Besides, if Todt HAD approved Qadback, how would he look for getting behind such a shadowy bid?  That would make me take my time to ensure that Sauber really does have everything in order.  As painful as the process was as a fan, now I see that the FIA was right to make sure Sauber (the financial entity supporting the team) was legit.

[FW14B]

It is brilliant news.  Great to see Peter Sauber back in F1 with his own team.  The teams and FIA did the right thing in delaying the Qadbak option but now we have another proper racing team on the grid.