BBC SPORT | Motorsport | Formula One | Sauber offer Massa test role

Formula One team Sauber want to keep hold of their driver Felipe Massa despite replacing him with Heinz-Harald Frentzen for next year.

Team boss Peter Sauber has offered the Brazilian the position of test and reserve driver for 2002.

Sauber says he agonised over his decision to sign up F1 veteran Frentzen, who raced for the Swiss team from 1994-96.

Frentzen rejoins Sauber

Sauber has been impressed with Massa's speed in his debut season, but he had grown frustrated by the number of spins and accidents his driver was having.

Nick Heidfeld (left) and Heinz-Harald Frentzen
Heidfeld and Frentzen - youth and experience

He believes that a year on the sidelines learning his trade in testing could help Massa mature into a race driver for the future.

"The decision to replace Felipe Massa was not easy for me," said Sauber.

"Finally, the decisive factor was Heinz-Harald Frentzen's performance this year [with Arrows], which impressed us deeply.

"He is not only one of the fastest drivers in Formula One, he also knows how to move a team forward. Furthermore, he has proven that he is still highly motivated.

"I hope that Felipe Massa will accept our offer as test and substitute driver. We continue to be very interested in his development."

Frentzen will team up with German compatriot Nick Heidfeld, on whom Sauber have taken up their option.

Sauber said: "The extension of Nick's contract was a formality. He has done an excellent job for our team and feels at home with us."


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