Grand Prix of Bahrain

Confusion over whether it'll be Sauber or Toyota

Monday 30th November 2009

Peter Sauber is confident his Formula One team will be granted the 13th place on next year's grid, despite reports claiming it will go to Toyota.

Last week, BMW announced that they had sold their Formula One team back to Sauber, adding that the deal was dependent on the outfit being handed a place on next year's grid.

And Sauber is confident that will happen later this week.

"The next two milestones are getting the 13th (place on the grid), which we expect to get in the coming week, and then signing the Concorde Agreement" he told Swiss daily Blick.

However, the same publication reports that FIA are set to announce that the 13th place on the grid will remain with Toyota, despite the team withdrawing from Formula One.

Unlike BMW, who have also quit the sport, Toyota signed the Concorde Agreement prior to walking away, which means they hold the final spot on the grid.

It also means they are obliged to field a team and should they fail to do so, they face a $150m fine for not honouring the Concorde Agreement.

As such, reports claim Toyota could sell their place to Stefan GP, leaving Sauber out in the cold.

The matter, though, is still up for debate and that will only take place during December's World Motor Sport Council meeting.

Related Links
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BMW sell F1 team back to Peter Sauber

Your Comments

LosAngeles

"Mr. Todt we are all watching your first move. "

domformula1

"I think CooperS was right here in that BMW were clumsy in not signing the agreement without thinking what the alternative was.Thinkng about it, if BMW had decided to stay, surely as they hadn't signed the agreement, they would have to fight it out with the new teams for the final place?"

pher38

"Why not let both teams in and make qualifying a battle of 28 cars (14 teams) competing for 26 places on the grid? Q1 would be both interesting and thrilling!"

chasto

"Toyauber? Sauyota? "

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