Sauber does not comment on the Panasonic rumors

Sauber refused to comment on rumors of Panasonic returning as a possible sponsor of the Swiss-licensed car.

Officials from the Osaka-based electronics giant are believed to have had a meeting with Sauber team officials and the team's young (and fast) Japanese driver, Kamui Kobayashi, last weekend at Suzuka.

The news is currently being reported in German-language newspapers, including the Swiss newspaper Basler Zeitung.
The news speaks of a "multi-million dollar contract" for Panasonic's return to the world of F1 (after Toyota's withdrawal), which would be more than good news for the Hinwil team. We remind you that Sauber can also count, since 2011, on the sponsorship of Telmex, the Mexican telecommunications giant, brought as a gift by future Sauber driver (and rookie) Sergio Perez.

Basler Zeitung said Sauber did not deny the Panasonic report at all, and would make no further comment.

Before Toyota's withdrawal last year, Panasonic had signed a contract with the Japanese car - where Kobayashi played in 2009 - valid until the 2012 season.

Davide Cantire