Sauber keen to lure VW into F1

The German car builder has long maintained it has no intention of entering F1, but should Sauber persuade VW to alter its stance it would be a massive coup for the Swiss team.

"There are contacts with the owner of Volkswagen, Bernd Pischetsrieder. It is true," Sauber told German newspaper Der Welt. "We are of course in contact with other manufacturers. I am always interested in finding a big partner. This does not only include those who are currently in F1 racing, but also those who are not there yet. We have to keep our options open."

After its best ever F1 season in 2001, Sauber has returned to its midfield role this year. However, fifth in the constructors' standings makes it the best-placed team without factory backing.

"We have proved to be competitive without the help of a manufacturer, but certainly a partnership would put us in a position to challenge the top three," he said. "This means our team would then not be the best of the rest, but would also challenge McLaren or Williams."

Felipe Massa returns for Sauber this weekend as the team hopes to fend off Jaguar, BAR and Jordan and hold on to its championship position.