Sirotkin still Sauber test driver

Jan.23 (GMM) Sergey Sirotkin still has a place at Sauber.

Earlier this week, reports emerged that questioned the Russian teen's test seat with the Swiss team.

That was because the well-backed Dutchman Giedo van der Garde arrived from Caterham to be Sauber's "test and reserve driver".

Publications including the Swiss newspaper Blick wondered: "What happens now with Sirotkin?", referring to the youngster who earlier was set to take a race seat as part of a Russian rescue deal for the Hinwil based team.

When asked about the apparent conflict between Sirotkin and van der Garde's test roles, a Sauber spokesman said: "Sergey is test driver, Giedo is test and reserve driver."