Sauber Sign Frentzen and Heidfeld for 2003

The Sauber team announced today their 2003 drivers line up, with Heinz Harald Frentzen making a return to the Swiss team, replacing rookie driver Felipe Massa.

Frentzen, who drove for Sauber in his first three Formula One seasons - between 1994 and 1996 - signed a one-year deal with the team, Sauber said in a statement. He will drive alongside Nick Heidfeld, as the team exercise their option for an additional year with the young German.

Brazilian Felipe Massa has been offered to remain with the team as a test driver, however neither the team nor the driver's management have stated as yet whether he will accept the offer.

"The extension of Nick's contract was a formality," team owner and principal Peter Sauber said. "He has done an excellent job for our team and feels at home with us.

"The decision to replace Felipe Massa was not easy for me. Finally, the decisive factor was Heinz-Harald Frentzen's performance this year, which impressed us deeply. He is not only one of the fastest drivers in Formula One, he also knows how to move a team forward. Furthermore, he has proven that he is still highly motivated.

"I hope that Felipe Massa will accept our offer as test and substitute driver. We continue to be very interested in his development."

Frentzen, who was released from his contract with Arrows last month, said he elected to re-join Sauber due to his relationship with Peter Sauber himself. "I have a very special relationship with Peter," the German said. "He brought me into Formula One and paved the way for my career. The performance of the team has impressed me tremendously over the years and I am convinced that together we will achieve a lot."