Sauber confirms Marcus Ericsson, Feliper Nasr as 2016 drivers

The 2015 Formula One season is still ongoing but Swiss racing team Sauber has just announced that they have extended the contracts of Marcus Ericsson and Feliper Nasr for next year's season.

According to Monisha Kaltenborn, the Team Principal of Sauber, the early renewal of Ericsson and Nasr's contracts with the racing team signifies that both drivers are heading for the right direction.

“We have full confidence in the talents and skills of Marcus and Felipe. Both have shown solid performances, gained experience and learnt quickly. We enjoy having them in the team and they give it a positive boost,” said Kaltenborn.

The Team Principal also admired the level of professionalism the two drivers convey on and off the track. Moreover, both the Swedish and Brazilian driver are already helping develop the team's C35 race car for the 2016 season.

Ericsson was pleased with the early contract renewal, stating that the team has placed trust in his capability in the prestigious competition.

“Up to now I have some good memories of my first year with the long-standing Swiss team. I had a great start from the very beginning, and it is worth mentioning my first points in Formula One that I scored right away during the season-opener. I am getting to know everyone within the team more and more, and feel I am being appreciated as a valuable driver. I feel honoured to be part of the Sauber Motorsport family, and I will continue to do my very best to succeed,” said Ericsson.

Brazilian racing driver Nasr is also glad that Sauber has extended his contract, claiming it is an important step for his racing career.

"During the first half of the season, in what is my rookie year, I was able to gain a lot of experience from a driving perspective as well as on the personal side. Finishing fifth at my first ever Formula One race in Melbourne in the Australian Grand Prix is so far my career highlight. Now I am looking forward to the second half of the season. My objective is to support the team as best I can, and also with regard to the development of the new car,” stated Nasr.

Team Sauber is currently at 7^th place in the Constructor Standings with 21 points. As for the driver standings, Nasr is at 11^th with 16 points while Ericsson is at 16^th with 5 points.

The next leg of the 2015 F1 Championship will take in Hungary on July 26, 2015.