From GMM

Peter Sauber has reassured a close supporter of Pedro de la Rosa that the Spanish veteran is not about to lose his race seat.

Yet, speculation doubting the future of the driver's race seat at Sauber continues. It was rumoured last week that Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado - and his sponsors - could be drafted in to replace him.

Now, France's Auto Hebdo said Luca Filippi is another possible replacement for the 39-year-old. Italian Filippi, 24, is an experienced GP2 driver who has also had tests with the F1 teams Minardi, Honda and Super Aguri.

The French report on Thursday said he might become Kamui Kobayashi's new Sauber teammate at the Turkish grand prix late next month.

When linked with a Super Aguri seat some years ago, it was rumoured that Filippi's sponsors were promising around 10 million euros in backing.

"It would be a dream," Filippi is quoted as saying, "but I prefer to concentrate on (new series) Auto GP."

De la Rosa had been signed to lead the development of the disappointing C29 car. A report in the Diario Sport newspaper added: "Carlos Gracia said Peter Sauber had assured him that he (de la Rosa) is not in doubt."