Salo and Diniz to lead Sauber in 2000

The 32-year-old has signed a two-year deal and will partner Pedro Diniz, who has been retained by the Swiss team.

Salo, who earlier this year drove for BAR and is now deputising at Ferrari for the injured Michael Schumacher, will replace Prost-bound Jean Alesi.

'I am very happy to work with Sauber for the next two years,' said the Finn.

'By any standards 1999 has been a unique year for me and I have learned a lot.

'It is my aim to put this experience to good use in helping Sauber to reach its full potential in the new millennium.'

Sauber also announced it will be retaining the services of Pedro Diniz in 2000.

The 29-year-old Brazilian joined the team this year after driving for the Arrows marque.

'Pedro Diniz showed in his fifth season of F1, that he is a driver with a consistently good performance and is able to run wihtin the top ten regularly,' said team boss Peter Sauber.

'I am convinced that with Pedro Diniz and Mika Salo we have two drivers well able to push our team forward.'

Diniz said he was 'very happy' about the renewal of his contract.

'Although the car was not so reliable at the beginning of the season, the team did a good job.

'Peter Sauber has started to restructure the team, and I think that this will lead to improvements.

'It is very important to me that the work on the new car has started early, and this is why I am convinced we will make a major step forward next year.'