Sauber retain Ericsson and Nasr for 2016

Sauber have announced the extension of their contracts with Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr. It means the Swede and the Brazilian will form an unchanged driver line-up for the Swiss team in next year's world championship.

“I’m very happy that the Sauber F1 Team has put its trust in my potential for another year,” said Ericsson, who joined the Hinwil squad for 2015 after his rookie campaign with Caterham last year.

“Up to now I have some good memories of my first year with the long-standing Swiss team. I had a great start from the very beginning, and it is worth mentioning my first points in Formula One that I scored right away during the season-opener.

“I am getting to know everyone within the team more and more, and feel I am being appreciated as a valuable driver. I feel honoured to be part of the Sauber Motorsport family, and I will continue to do my very best to succeed.”

Nasr, currently in his first F1 campaign, commented: “It is great to be driving another season for the Sauber F1 Team. The extension to the contract with the Sauber F1 Team is an important step in my career. During the first half of the season, in what is my rookie year, I was able to gain a lot of experience from a driving perspective as well as on the personal side.

“Finishing fifth at my first ever Formula One race in Melbourne in the Australian Grand Prix is so far my career highlight. Now I am looking forward to the second half of the season. My objective is to support the team as best I can, and also with regard to the development of the new car.”

Monisha Kaltenborn, Sauber team principal, stated: “We are pleased about the extension of the contracts with Marcus and Felipe. This early point in time shows that the drivers and the team are sure they are heading in the right direction. We have full confidence in the talents and skills of Marcus and Felipe. Both have shown solid performances, gained experience and learnt quickly.

“We enjoy having them in the team and they give it a positive boost. Despite their young ages, they work very professionally - on as well as off the track. Marcus and Felipe are already involved in a very dedicated way with the development of next year’s Sauber C35.”

The combination of Ericsson's five points and Nasr's 16 means Sauber lie seventh in the 2015 constructors' standings.