Spanish Federation Helps De la Rosa Find Sponsors

Rumors about Pedro de la Rosa's contract with BMW Sauber-Ferrari being terminated in due time have made the headlines in Spain in recent weeks. The fact that his team is in some serious need of money in order to develop their car for the 2010 season seems to count a lot in such a potential decision from Peter Sauber, as the Spanish veteran did not come to Hinwil with any important financial sponsor backing his efforts.

Consequently, Sauber may switch to a pay-driver for the remaining rounds of the 2010 season. Nevertheless, sensing that his country may lose a driver in the ongoing F1 campaign, the president of the Real Federacion Espanola de Automoviliso (RFEDA) Carlos Gracia – also a good friend of De la Rosa – insisted that his protege is not in any danger of losing his seat.

While admitting that Peter Sauber needs finance quickly in order to keep the wheels of his team rolling, Gracia revealed De la Rosa's contract clearly stipulates he doesn't have to bring any sponsors with him to Hinwil.

“Today there is no indication that he (de la Rosa) will not finish the season with them,” said Gracia, hinting that future elements might appear to alter the current situation at Hinwil. “In Pedro's contract he does not have to contribute money, but we are working on getting some sponsors,” added the Spanish official for the AS newspaper.

Although GP2 racers Pastor Maldonado and Luca Filippi have been linked with his job for the 2010 season, De la Rosa showed little signs of worry when asked by the reporters about his situation at Sauber. Actually, the Spaniard was much more interested in his team's financial strategy for the months to come, as the lack of funds have kept his team away from producing important updates for the upcoming Spanish GP.

“With each day it is more difficult to find backers for 2010, but without finances a normal development of the car is hardly possible,” said De la Rosa in an interview with Swiss newspaper Blick yesterday.