F1: Felipe Nasr joins Sauber to join Marcus Ericsson in 2015 as Esteban Gutierrez and Adrian Sutil are axed
It's all change at Sauber as they confirm GP2 driver Nasr will step up to Formula One next season
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Your support makes all the difference.Brazilian Felipe Nasr has joined Sauber in a shock appointment.
Just days after announcing Marcus Ericsson as one of their drivers for 2015, the cash-strapped Swiss marque have now decided on an all-new driver line-up for 2015 by bringing Williams test driver Nasr on board.
It means Adrian Sutil and Esteban Gutierrez must find new drives for next year.
Nasr's appointment is likely driven in part by his ability to bring in around £10-12million in personal sponsorship from Banco do Brasil.
Ericsson, previously with Caterham who are now in administration, adds another £10-12million.
Team principal Monisha Kaltenborn said: "We have been following Felipe's career path for some time now, and he fully deserves his position in Formula One having had a very successful career in junior categories.
"We are happy he will be driving for our team next year. This means that Brazil will have one more young and talented driver in the sport.
"Banco do Brasil has been an important partner for Felipe so far, and we are delighted such a renowned company is continuing to support him during this important step. We look forward to this partnership."
Nasr, 22, a former British Formula Three champion and second in the current GP2 standings this season, said: "It is a very important step in my career to sign with Sauber for the 2015 Formula One world championship.
"This is an unforgettable moment I owe to all of those who have supported me - my family, my friends, my sponsors, my teams and my country.
"Today the dream has come true. Sauber was responsible for the arrival in F1 of great names such as Felipe Massa, Kimi Raikkonen, Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel.
"I am proud now to also be part of this racing family. I had a wonderful year at Williams where I learned a lot and prepared myself to be a race driver in Formula One."
PA
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