Sauber: we are not for sale

Mosley's remark was believed to have been made about BAR, which has sold a minority shareholding to Japanese engine manufacturer Honda prior to a possible complete buy-out in the next two years, but it fuelled wild rumours that Sauber was thinking of selling-up.

Those rumours have forced Sauber to publicly state that he has no ambitions to off-load his team yet - although he readily admits that if the right manufacturer partner could be found to help boost the team's future, then he would readily open talks.

"Sauber Motorsport AG is not for sale," said Sauber. "Whatever team Max Mosley is referring to, can only be answered by Mr. Mosley himself.

"The alternative to independency of Sauber has not changed and is well known: If there would be an opportunity to join forces with a car manufacturer, we would surely very thoroughly look into it.

"If the goals would be common, meaning advancing regarding our development as a racing team and securing the location of Hinwil for the factory, then I would well imagine to go for it."

Despite Sauber claiming that there was no chance of a manufacturer link-up in the short-term future, he is still believed to be considering his engine options for 2006. It is expected that he will not continue with his Ferrari customer engines, and he has most recently been linked with a deal for BMW power-units.