From GMM

Pedro de la Rosa is expected to be Kamui Kobayashi's teammate at Sauber in 2010, according to Blick.

The Swiss daily newspaper, with close ties to the Peter Sauber-led team, said the news is likely to be confirmed soon barring "an earthquake in Hinwil".

Spaniard de la Rosa last raced full-time in 2002 with Jaguar. He already lives in Zurich, which is only a short drive from Sauber's team base.

The Swiss weekly NZZ am Sonntag on Sunday quoted Peter Sauber as admitting only that "an experienced man" with "new knowledge for the team" has been signed to partner Kobayashi in 2010.

He also all but confirmed that Nick Heidfeld is not the driver in question.

On another subject, Peter Sauber has "not decided" when an application to change the name of his Hinwil based formula one team will be made.

Sauber revealed that: "The team is currently called BMW Sauber F1 Team, because we registered ourselves as such with the FIA, and that's how we will line up.

"It is not decided at present when we will submit an application for a change of the name," Sauber, whose 2010 car will use a Ferrari powertrain, added.

He also admitted to disappointment that, after 15 years with Petronas, the Malaysian company decided to switch its sponsorship to Mercedes for 2010 and beyond. "I am disappointed but not surprised," he said.