BMW Sauber team principal Mario Theissen says the team's new owners will use Ferrari power in 2010 if they make it onto the grid.
Swiss outfit to renew engine supply - provided they make the grid
BMW Sauber team principal Mario Theissen says the team's new owners will use Ferrari power in 2010 if they make it to the grid.
The team's future is still on the line as, despite being sold to Qadbak investment group in the wake of BMW's decision to pull out of F1, they are not yet guaranteed a place on next year's grid as the FIA has yet to get approval from the other 13 teams.
However, Theissen is confident the team will get the backing from its rivals and predicts a bright future for the Swiss-based outfit.
"We are very confident to be on the grid next year, and the new investor apparently is quite strong," he said.
"He wants to continue with the team in a strong state, not just as an also-ran. That is an excellent perspective for the team. We could not really expect that.
"So there is strong morale. The team is really positive. We have a good upgrade for the car here, and we want to achieve something in the final four races."
Sauber used Ferrari engines prior to being bought out by BMW in 2005.
"It will run a Ferrari power-train," Theissen confirmed to
autosport.com.
Even so, it remains to be seen whether the German will stay on as team boss - Theissen also serving as BMW motorsport director.
"My personal future is fully open, and I will keep it open until the end of the season," he said.
"It would not be helpful to mix up my own situation with all the efforts to secure the future of the team. And I am not concerned that there will be [too little] time later this year."
