Ericsson to race for Sauber next season

Marcus Ericsson

Marcus Ericsson will be driving for Sauber next season, the Hinwil based squad shortly confirmed after their best qualifying result of the season.

Ericsson made his Formula 1 debut this season, having finished in sixth place in last year's GP2 series for DAMS. While his performances have been less than stellar, his sponsors' bank balance is much needed for cash strapped Sauber who finds themselves in 10th place in the constructors championship, having not scored a point all season long.“Fresh from a very turbulent week, I was suddenly given my best early Christmas present ever,'' a delighted Ericsson said. "The Sauber F1 Team has put its trust in me for 2015, and it makes me proud, as Sauber is known to be one of the best teams in developing young drivers. It will be a great challenge. I will give my very best to develop both as a driver, and to be part of the challenge to put the Sauber F1 Team back closer to the front where it belongs.”Team principal Monisha Kaltenborn acknowledged Ericsson's difficult start to his Formula 1 career at the tail end of the field but is convinced that he will be a strong asset for the team.“We are pleased to announce this cooperation,'' Kaltenborn said. "We have got to know Marcus as a highly motivated driver. He did not have an easy rookie season this year in Formula One, however, he kept calm and improved continuously, mainly in the last races. We are convinced that signing Marcus can give the team a fresh impetus.”It is unclear as to which driver Ericsson will replace at Sauber. Their current drivers Adrian Sutil and Esteban Gutierrez along with tester Giedo van der Garde are all in running for the second seat at the Swiss team, with a decision expected 'at a later date'.