![\"Monisha-Kaltenborn-1\"](\"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/gallery\/f1-2013-rif-images\/f1-2013-persons\/Monisha-Kaltenborn-1.jpg\")
Ever since the so-called ‘Russian rescue deal’ was announced, suggestions the struggling Swiss team’s financial woes are far from over have persisted.<\/p>\nThe end of Sauber’s financial struggles could depend on the new Russian connections paving the way to sponsor deals.<\/p>\n
Ever since the so-called ‘Russian rescue deal’ was announced, suggestions the struggling Swiss team’s financial woes are far from over have persisted.<\/p>\n
“I understand that people want to know more,” team boss Monisha Kaltenborn told Blick newspaper, “because until now we have not said so much.<\/p>\n
“But I want to assure everyone that things go in the right direction.”<\/p>\n
She hinted, however, that Russian rubles have not been flowing overly quickly.<\/p>\n
“I hope that in this season, we will see new sponsor logos on the car,” said Kaltenborn.<\/p>\n
“We also hope that something happens in terms of Sochi,” she added, referring to next year’s inaugural Russian grand prix.<\/p>\n
What is fairly certain is that, if the Russian teen Sergey Sirotkin is able to secure a super license, he will be racing a Sauber in 2014.<\/p>\n
But Blick reports that Sauber’s current lead driver, the Ferrari and Lotus-linked Nico Hulkenberg, will definitely not be Sirotkin’s teammate.<\/p>\n
That news would seem to boost Esteban Gutierrez’s chances, as he is strongly linked with Mexican team backers, including Telmex.<\/p>\n
“Actually one thing really does not have anything to do with the other,” Kaltenborn insisted.<\/p>\n
In fact, she admitted that, “Ideally, we would want a more experienced teammate” for 18-year-old Sirotkin.<\/p>\n
“On the other hand we have been in this situation before and it worked well with two somewhat inexperienced pilots,” added Kaltenborn.<\/p>\n
However, Sauber is close to renewing its engine deal with Ferrari for 2014, and the Italian team is looking for a middle-ranked team to place Jules Bianchi.<\/p>\n
And current Ferrari racer Felipe Massa is also on the market.<\/p>\n
Kaltenborn insisted: “Ferrari will have no influence on our driver choice.\u00a0 And there is no obligation for us to take a second Russian driver.”<\/p>\n
One thing is for sure — Sauber has no place available for its highly-rated 2013 reserve driver Robin Frijns, who has already departed the Swiss team.<\/p>\n
Kaltenborn admitted letting the Dutchman go was all about money — or his lack of it.<\/p>\n
“Unfortunately it shows what situation formula one is in at the moment,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Despite his talent, his management hasn’t been able to find more sponsors.\u00a0 And it makes no sense to hold on to a driver if you cannot give him what he wants.”<\/p>\n
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