Sauber In Charge.

Peter Sauber and the Red Bull company are now the sole shareholders of the Swiss team, following the Fritz Kaiser Group's decision to sell off its stake.


Liechtenstein-based FKG has withdrawn from its role with Sauber in order to concentrate on its core consulting businesses, and sold its 24.5 per cent share to Sauber and Red Bull Trading GmbH for an undisclosed sum. FKG chairman Fritz Kaiser has also relinquished his chairmanship of the Formula One outfit's holding company, but intends to remain in a similar position with the affiliated Sauber Petronas Engineering AG operation.


The move follows rumours of an internal battle between Kaiser and Sauber for control of the race team, as the former felt that the outfit was developing in the wrong direction. Sauber found support from Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz, prompting Kaiser to reconsider his position and, ultimately, decide to opt out.


"This move will give Peter Sauber all leverage to concentrate on his challenge to bring the Formula One team further up the grid," explained Kaiser, "FKG wishes to focus more on its core business, and on new projects and investments, but will continue to support the team and key sponsors with various services."


Sauber thanked Kaiser and his company for the 'substantial contribution' they had made to the team over the past four years, before claiming that he felt the Swiss operation was in a good position to improve its performance next season. The team is believed to be talking to former Tyrrell and Honda manager Rupert Mainwaring regarding a position for next season, as it seeks to replace several key members of its technical staff. Pedro Diniz and Mika Salo will provide the driving strength in 2000.


Kaiser, meanwhile, has been linked to a possible involvement with the Minardi team through his working relationship with Supertec boss Flavio Briatore.