paul
Team Owner
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/0.../09/s10650.html
Heinz-Harald Frentzen will race for Sauber in next weekend's US Grand Prix at Indianapolis, the team confirmed on Friday. The decision was made following a thorough analysis of the German's Silverstone test.
Frentzen, recently signed by the team for the 2003 season, will replace Felipe Massa, who was handed a ten-spot grid penalty for the American race after an incident at the last round at Monza.
The announcement ends speculation over Frentzen's participation in the US GP, which was thought to be in doubt following an accident at the end of Thursday's Silverstone test when he collided with a rabbit.
"The test made it clear to me that the C21 is an excellent race car," said Frentzen. "I was able to familiarise myself with its handling as well as with the electronic systems."
There had been fears that Frentzen's height may have prevented him racing the C21, which was designed around the team's shorter 2002 drivers.
"The seating position is still a compromise," admitted Frentzen. "We will try to improve it further prior to the US Grand Prix. I'm very happy that I can drive a race for Sauber at this early stage, and I will give my utmost to support the team in its battle against very strong competitors."
Team Principal Peter Sauber added: "Heinz-Harald made a very strong impression at Silverstone. He adapted quickly to the C21 as well as to the seating position, which is only a compromise for him at this late stage.
"This decision puts us in a strong position to defend our place in the constructors' championship."
Sauber announced Frentzen as a driver for next season in late August. The 35 year-old German has been the most successful Sauber driver so far. Between 1994 and 1996 he scored a total of 29 points for the Swiss constructor.
Massa will return to race at the final round of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, on October 13.
Heinz-Harald Frentzen will race for Sauber in next weekend's US Grand Prix at Indianapolis, the team confirmed on Friday. The decision was made following a thorough analysis of the German's Silverstone test.
Frentzen, recently signed by the team for the 2003 season, will replace Felipe Massa, who was handed a ten-spot grid penalty for the American race after an incident at the last round at Monza.
The announcement ends speculation over Frentzen's participation in the US GP, which was thought to be in doubt following an accident at the end of Thursday's Silverstone test when he collided with a rabbit.
"The test made it clear to me that the C21 is an excellent race car," said Frentzen. "I was able to familiarise myself with its handling as well as with the electronic systems."
There had been fears that Frentzen's height may have prevented him racing the C21, which was designed around the team's shorter 2002 drivers.
"The seating position is still a compromise," admitted Frentzen. "We will try to improve it further prior to the US Grand Prix. I'm very happy that I can drive a race for Sauber at this early stage, and I will give my utmost to support the team in its battle against very strong competitors."
Team Principal Peter Sauber added: "Heinz-Harald made a very strong impression at Silverstone. He adapted quickly to the C21 as well as to the seating position, which is only a compromise for him at this late stage.
"This decision puts us in a strong position to defend our place in the constructors' championship."
Sauber announced Frentzen as a driver for next season in late August. The 35 year-old German has been the most successful Sauber driver so far. Between 1994 and 1996 he scored a total of 29 points for the Swiss constructor.
Massa will return to race at the final round of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, on October 13.