German Nick Heidfeld has returned to Sauber to replace struggling Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa for the rest of the 2010 season.
Spaniard de la Rosa axed after struggling to be competitive
Sauber have announced that Nick Heidfeld will replace Pedro de la Rosa for the remainder of the 2010 Formula One season.
German Heidfeld, who was Mercedes' reserve driver this year until taking on the role of tester for Pirelli, will compete in the remaining five races.
The 33-year-old is no stranger to the Swiss-based team having previously worked for them for seven seasons. He left Sauber nine months ago after he was replaced by de la Rosa following BMW's withdrawal from the sport.
However now takes over from the Spaniard, who has struggled to be competitive this year having returned to the grid after three seasons out.
Hard decision
"It was a hard decision for me to make as a team principal and I want to thank Pedro for his professionalism," said Peter Sauber in a statement.
"By signing Nick we have a driver we know extremely well who will help us to further judge the comparative potential of our car."
Heidfeld has yet to win a race in 167 starts but has finished second eight times in his career.
"I'm looking forward like crazy to having the opportunity to go racing again in a good car in Formula One from the Singapore Grand Prix onwards," he said.
"After the last months I'm even more motivated than ever. Without doubt I will be feeling at home straight away and this should help me to familiarise myself as soon as possible with the car."
De la Rosa, who has failed to match the performances of Japanese team-mate Kamui Kobayashi, is still hopeful of securing a drive for next season.
"I am surprised by the team's decision but I respect it and would like to wish everyone good luck for the remainder of the season. I still intend to be in Formula One for 2011," he said in a statement.
