News that have just been released in Australia claim that Sauber will not be penalized for non-participation of Giedo van der Garde in the F1 GP to be held this weekend thanks to an
agreement between both sides;
According to Australian newspaper “The Daily Telegraph” Van der Garde said Brazilian Felipe Nasr and Swede Magnus Ericsson were free to represent the team in Australia but he would not cease his push to regain his place for the rest of the 2015 season.
“With respect to the interest of motorsport, and F1 in particular, I have decided to give up my legal rights to race this weekend at the Melbourne Grand Prix,” van der Garde said on Saturday morning (local time).
“As I am a passionate race driver, this decision has been very difficult for me.
“However, I also wish to respect the interest of the FIA, Sauber Motorsport, as well as Nasr and Ericsson.
“My management will continue talks with Sauber early next week to find a mutually acceptable solution for the current situation that has now arisen.” Van der Garde didn’t take to the track on Friday, with Sauber missing the first practice session before sending out Ericsson and Nasr in an afternoon session.
Central to the issue is van der Garde’s lack of a “super-licence”, which allows F1 drivers to race.
While the Dutchman has a court order to join the team, he doesn’t have the super-licence to race in the season-opening grand prix.
That has necessitated a negotiated settlement, which could be allowing Nasr and Ericsson to race at Albert Park, with a new arrangement at round two in Malaysia.
Ialdo Belo
