By The Offsider
December 15 2009

The word in Japan is that youngster Kamui Kobayashi has secured a seat at Sauber. We weren't able to confirm it through our sources, but it's clear it would make sense, with Peter Sauber claiming that he wanted an experienced driver and a young talent, and naming Kamui in his shortlist.

 Kobayashi is believed to be backed by strong sponsors, with no less than 5 million euros, and made a strong impression in his two debut races, in Brazil and Abu Dabhi, while replacing injured Timo Glock at Toyota.

The other seat will depend on what Heidfeld does, and in case he doesn't join the Hinwil squad, the best placed to take the seat are Pedro de la Rosa and Giancarlo Fisichella.

Yesterday we published that Bob Bell had revealed their 2nd driver would be Heidfeld or Kobayashi, but with Kamui moving to Sauber and Heidfeld still waiting for Mercedes' decision, things may take a further twist...

On another note, Bertand Baguette's manager has told to the Belgian press that the Belgian driver will get the test and reserve driver role in Sauber. Baguette drove for BMW Sauber during the last day of the youngsters' test in Jerez, and is the last winner of the World Series by Renault. He drove for the French team on those test too.

And on a final note, we hear that Petronas will remain on board, as earlier speculated. Additionally Turun Sanomat is reporting that the Sauber car may be a bit behind schedule and may fail to make it to the first Valencia tests, on 1-3rd February.

Kobayashi, Baguette to join Sauber...

Discussion started by BMW Sauber F1 (IP Logged), 15/12/2009 10:52

BMW Sauber F1
15/12/2009 10:52

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IndyAndy
15/12/2009 13:29

Keeping my fingers crossed for Kamui to land the seat.

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BlackNote
15/12/2009 15:33

hmm.... sounds Kamui will have that 2nd seat for Sauber as Baguette will be test driver. well, my bet still on Heidfeld that will take the 1st seat...

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Raid Phoenix
15/12/2009 17:52

Humm, I'm still a bit skeptic about Kobayashi. he did impress a lot in those races, but they were just 2 and with a good car, better than the Toro Rosso of Alguersuari or the Renault of Gorsjean. He had more km's too.

Risky business I would say, but Peter has very good eye for drivers (he was the one who pushed Schumacher's F1 arrival), and if Koby comes with money/sponsors better than better.

As for Baguette, he has lots of talent, although of the new generation the best one seems to be Bianchi, but he is tied with Ferrari.

So now looking forward to what Nick does...

Racing against the machine!

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PsyM
16/12/2009 04:27

I agree with you! I´m also very unsure about Kobayashi. He was nowhere in the gp2 main series for two seasons, for exapmle he was trashed by the likes of, Senna, di Grassi and Grosjean..



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:12:16:09:35:34 by BMWF1Talk.

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BlackNote
16/12/2009 05:50

let's just hopes that Kobayashi will do his best of the best for Sauber if he really is in the Sauber team next season.. i'm still searching for Heidfeld's latest news... anyway, MS, in my opinion, he'll definitely will return to F1 in Merc GP...

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Walsingham
16/12/2009 13:13

Im sure Swiss bakery industry would love to steal Baguette from their french competitors.

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Gemm
16/12/2009 13:33

he is Belgian afaik

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sessions
16/12/2009 16:52

Well Nick will have to experience another rookie type driver who will drive frantically until he sees Nick's consistency is amassing points. Then he'll settle down and we can see what he's really made of. Hope Koby benefits the team if they opt to go with him. Doesn't he bring Panasonic money with him.
Peter would like that in the coffers.

P.S. Every team needs a baguette to accompany the meat and cheese, no ?

sessions



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:12:16:16:54:48 by sessions.

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Walsingham
16/12/2009 17:08

Quote:

Gemm
he is Belgian afaik

But he is connected with Renault somehow isnt he?

Anyway jokes about his second name are probably boring after couple of threads on Autosport and planet f1.

On more serious note, wonder when we will know Sauber's line-up.

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BlackNote
16/12/2009 19:47

yup... can't stop wondering yet... huh...

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barteks
17/12/2009 00:20

Quote:

Walsingham
But he is connected with Renault somehow isnt he?

He's World Series by Renault Champion.

2008 Prediction Champion

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