Grapevine: Sauber Considering Third Car

Autosport-Atlas has learned that Sauber have held talks with former Jordan driver Timo Glock about the role and former Minardi driver Nicolas Kiesa recently visited their Hinwil base to discuss a possible deal.

But despite the clear interest from drivers about the role, Sauber's current financial situation means they will not be able to benefit from the extra Friday running unless there is extra money to fund it - and the team can find a driver that will actually provide decent technical feedback as well.

"We would need an additional five million dollars and right now, we simply cannot afford a third car," said Sauber. "But money is only one part of the problem. It helps little to have a third car and not get enough data from the respective driver, so you would need an experienced and quick driver."

Kiesa, who has raced for half a season with Minardi,  has been looking for the necessary finance for a third driver role since his race deal with Minardi fell through. Although he could yet come up with the finance, sources close to Sauber claim that his preferred option is Glock, who is believed to be trying to convince sponsor Deutsche-Post to back his opportunity.

Glock remains a favourite for a drive with Rocketsports in Champ Car's, however, but would likely prefer an opportunity in F1 if it became available.

Any decision by Sauber to give the green light to a third car would also provide a boost to Jacques Villeneuve, who claims the team's current form is being slightly hindered by a lack of mileage on Grand Prix weekends.