Struggling Sauber pays staff

Mar.10 (GMM) Sauber has now paid the two thirds of its 300-strong workforce in Switzerland who were waiting for their overdue February wages.

"The financial situation for Sauber is tense," announced the well-connected Swiss newspaper Blick, "but at least the outstanding February wages are now paid.

"Sauber can breathe, but not breathe easy," the report added.

The Hinwil-based team's communications chief Robert Hopoltseder confirmed: "The February wages were paid."

Sauber is now preparing for the first race of the season in Australia, but Blick said a crucial search for a major sponsor is also on.

The spokesman said he was not at liberty to talk in any more detail about financial matters, according to DPA news agency.

Former F1 driver Robert Doornbos told Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport Totaal that Sauber is obviously under strain.

"Almost nothing has changed since last year," he said. "The drivers are driving practically the same car they had at the end of last year.

"The financial stress has not disappeared yet, so I'm not counting on anything," added the Dutchman.