Ericsson signs for Sauber for 2015

Caterham’s Marcus Ericsson is to join Sauber for the 2015 season, the Swiss team announced on Saturday. Sauber, whose current race drivers are Adrian Sutil and Esteban Gutierrez, will confirm his team mate at a later date.

“Fresh from a very turbulent week, I was suddenly given my best early Christmas present ever,” commented Ericsson, who is missing this weekend’s United States race as Caterham address their ongoing financial issues.

“The Sauber F1 Team has put its trust in me for 2015, and it makes me proud, as Sauber is known to be one of the best teams in developing young drivers. It will be a great challenge. I will give my very best to develop both as a driver, and to be part of the challenge to put the Sauber F1 Team back closer to the front where it belongs.”

Ericsson, 24, will arrive at Sauber on the back of a trying rookie campaign with Caterham, which has yielded a best finish of 11th place in May’s Monaco Grand Prix.

“We are pleased to announce this cooperation,” said Sauber team principal Monica Kaltenborn of Ericsson’s signing. “We have got to know Marcus as a highly motivated driver. He did not have an easy rookie season this year in Formula One, however, he kept calm and improved continuously, mainly in the last races. We are convinced that signing Marcus can give the team a fresh impetus.”

Like Caterham, Sauber have yet to score a point in 2014, with Sunday’s US race looking like their best chance yet of reversing that trend as Sutil starts from from ninth on the grid.