Heidfeld in, de la Rosa out at Sauber

Sauber confirmed that Heidfeld will be replacing Pedro de la Rosa for the final five races of the season to compete alongside Kamui Kobayashi.

Team principal Peter Sauber suggested that the move had been made to better help the team understand its car.

"It was a hard decision for me to make as a team principal and I want to thank Pedro for his professionalism," explained Sauber. "By signing Nick we have a driver we know extremely well who will help us to further judge the comparative potential of our car."

De la Rosa expressed his shock at the decision, which comes after he returned to the sport at the start of this season.

"I am surprised by the team´s decision, but I respect it and would like to wish everyone good luck for the remainder of the season," he said. "I still intend to be in Formula 1 for 2011".

Heidfeld himself added: "I'm looking forward like crazy to having the opportunity to go racing again in a good car in Formula 1 from the Singapore Grand Prix onwards. After the last months I'm even more motivated than ever.

"For me it is like coming home, as I raced for seven years in total for the team from Hinwil. Without doubt I will be feeling at home straight away and this should help me to familiarise myself as soon as possible with the car. I want to thank Peter Sauber for the faith he has put in me."