On Sunday, Sauber Petronas confirmed that Heinz-Harald Frentzen will drive for the team next year. The 35 year old will partner fellow countryman Nick Heidfeld. Felipe Massa, who made his F1 debut with the Swiss equipe this year has been offered the role of test and reserve driver.

"The extension of Nick's contract was a formality,” said team boss Peter Sauber. “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 was recently released from his contract with Arrows and the Sauber deal will see the German returning to his F1 roots. "I have a very special relationship with Peter Sauber,” said Frentzen.  “He brought me into Formula One and paved the way for my career. The performance of Team Sauber Petronas has impressed me tremendously over the years and I am convinced that together we will achieve a lot."

Frentzen has three grand prix wins (two of them for Jordan in 1999) and two pole positions on his cv. He was runner up in the Drivers’ Championship in 1997.