The Sauber F1 Team will retain its 2015 line-up of Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson for the 2016 Formula 1 season.
The Swiss outfit have confirmed that the Brazilian and the Swede would remain a part of the team for a second consecutive season after joining ahead of this season.
Nasr stepped up from the GP2 Series to race with the team this year, whilst Ericsson switched from the now-defunct Caterham F1 Team for his sophomore year in the sport.
“We are pleased about the extension of the contracts with Marcus and Felipe,” said Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn. “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.”
Nasr has thanked the team for putting their trust into him for a further season, and is looking forward to developing the new car that will be introduced for the 2016 season.
“It is great to be driving another season for the Sauber F1 Team,” insisted Nasr. “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.”
Ericsson is also happy to have been retained, and hopes to continue showing his worth for the team for the remainder of this season and for the 2016 season.
“I’m very happy that the Sauber F1 Team has put its trust in my potential for another year,” said Ericsson.
“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.”
