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Sauber Eyes Vitaly Petrov, De la Rosa for 2010 Lineup

Although the newly purchased Peter Sauber F1 team is yet to receive an entry from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) for the 2010 Formula One season, the rumors regarding their potentially future lineup are now starting to make the headlines. If the FIA allows Sauber's team to stay in the series – and we don't see a logical reason why they wouldn't do that – that means 2 more racing spots are available for the 2010 season.

And that's huge news for drivers such as Heikki Kovalainen, Nick Heidfeld, Kamui Kobayashi and even Jarno Trulli – as his place at Lotus is not so certain anymore, if we are to believe the Jacque Villeneuve rumors lately – who are all linked with negotiations for a 2010 racing seat.

However, new team owner Peter Sauber insisted that those are not the only drivers eyed by his team for the 2010 campaign.

Also, there is Pedro de la Rosa. His testing experience with McLaren would be an advantage for us,” said Sauber for Swiss daily Blick.

De la Rosa has been consistently linked with a move to Campos Grand Prix for the last few months, only several reports last week suggested that the lack of sponsorship for his F1 programme has already cost him the deal. He himself admitted that he lacks money for the 2010 season, but insisted his experience is all he needs to get into F1.

While quite aware of his experience, it's no secret that Peter Sauber too looks for money for his 2010 campaign, as BMW's leaving his team at the end of 2009 created some financial troubles back at Hinwil. Although major sponsor Petronas is unlikely to leave the team, drivers who can bring $10+ million in sponsorship are also to be evaluated.

If we were to take Petrov, the Russian market would be open to us by 2011,” said Sauber, hinting that GP2 driver Vitaly Petrov, who is believed to benefit from $10-to-15 million in sponsorship from Russian investors, is also on the list.
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