Sauber rules out third car

With the bottom six teams in the constructors' championship allowed to run an extra car for the two hours of practice on the Friday of grand prix meetings, it became clear last year that the extra mileage was invaluable.

In particular, BAR's charge to second place in the title chase behind Ferrari was helped in part by the input Anthony Davidson was able to put in on Fridays - helping evaluate tyre comparisons and set-up work, while allowing team-mates Jenson Button and Takuma Sato to save valuable engine mileage.

And although joining the Friday scheme would likely help Sauber's fortunes in a similar way in 2005, especially with the need for engines to now last two grand prix distances, money factors mean the team will stick to just using Felipe Massa and Jacques Villeneuve.

"A third car means most of all more expense," said Sauber. "I could only change my mind if a massively talented and equally massively rich driver knocks on our door - something I do not expect to happen."