03-Dec-09: Sauber Granted 13th Grid Slot for 2010

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This is F1 Minute for the 3rd December 2009.

Big news today, as first Toyota confirmed they weren’t going to be selling their F1 entry and had essentially given it back to the FIA. At the end of the day, the governing body announced that Sauber had been granted Toyota’s slot, becoming the 13th team on the 2010 grid. Peter Sauber previously announced he would only buy the team from BMW if they had an entry and he is pleased with the result. He says: “This is excellent news for the workforce in Hinwil. After many weeks of uncertainty, we have finally secured our place on the grid for 2010. Now we can enter into concrete negotiations with drivers and sponsors.”

Meanwhile, the young driver test in Jerez drew to a close today with Daniel Ricciardo on top in the Red Bull. He put in the fastest time of the entire week, more than a second up on second place di Resta in the Force India. The Red Bull did end the day with a blown engine though. Oops.

That’s all for now, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.