Ericsson sets his sight on midfield after penning new deal; Nasr and Gutierrez thought to be fighting over remaining Sauber seat
Monday 28 November 2016 11:28, UK
Sauber have revealed Marcus Ericsson will drive for the team next season though it is still unclear who will partner the Swede.
The 26-year-old's new deal with the Swiss outfit means there are now just three seats remaining for 2017, with Ericsson's current team-mate Felipe Nasr still sweating over his future while Manor also weigh up their options.
Ericsson, whose highest finish of eighth in his three years in Formula 1 came at last year's Australian GP, has set his sights on becoming a midfield regular with Sauber.
"It is great news that I will be racing for another year for the Sauber F1 Team," Ericsson said. "I have spent two years with Sauber now, and I really feel at home. A big thanks to everyone within the team for trusting in me again.
"From a personal point of view, I have developed a lot as a driver during my time at Sauber. We have had ups and downs, but we always stick together and work as hard as we can. Since the new ownership, there has been a positive push in the team, so it will also be exciting to go into this new era.
"For 2017 my aim is to build on my performance from the second half of this season, and to continue working hard with the team. I cannot wait for the 2017 season, so that we can make our way up to the midfield with the objective to score points on a regular basis."
Ericsson's stay slams shut another potential destination for drivers with Esteban Gutierrez, replaced by Haas with Kevin Magnussen, and Nasr thought to be fighting over Sauber's remaining seat.
Ericsson added that "many motorsport experts are becoming part of Sauber, which is a good sign for the future", and team boss Monisha Kaltenborn agreed that things were looking up after a troubled campaign on and off the track.
"We are very pleased to announce that Marcus will remain our race driver in 2017," she said. "During the current season Marcus has again showed he is willing to go that extra mile in order to make progress.
"He went through very difficult times with us, but managed those very well. In the last two years, he has made significant steps in regards to his personal development, proving his skills on as well as off track, especially when circumstances are not easy.
"He is not only a good driver, but also an important team player who understands how to work with the team and how to motivate everyone with his positive attitude."
The Swiss squad's future was secured in July when they acquired new owners after investment firm Longbow Finance bought the team.
Sauber currently occupy the lucrative 10th place in the Constructors' Championship following Nasr's ninth place finish in Brazil, bringing with it a potential windfall in excess of $30m.
