Sauber signs Heidfeld to three-year deal.

The Red Bull Sauber team has unveiled German Nick Heidfeld as one of its drivers for next season.

Heidfeld has struggled in his rookie season with the Prost operation this year, hampered by a recalcitrant car and engine combination, but Sauber decided that his talent would be wasted by allowing him to return to a testing deal with McLaren.

''I am very pleased that we were able to conclude an agreement with Nick,'' smiled team boss Peter Sauber, ''We now have the chance to build a long-term relationship with a young driver. Nick has shown so much potential in his career that we would have liked to have signed him a year ago, and are now happy with this three-year contract.''

''I am happy about the contract, and the possibility to work with Sauber,'' Heidfeld commented, ''I believe that the team has the potential to make further progress, and I will give my best to make a significant contribution.''

The identity of the German's team-mate next season is still to be revealed but, with Mika Salo opting for a testing sabbatical with Toyota next year, the potential for an all-new line-up remains strong. Brazilian Pedro Diniz has not lived up to his employer's standards this season, and may find himself being shown the door.

Alex Wurz and Ricardo Zonta have both been mentioned in connection with a seat at Hinwil, as have veterans Jean Alesi and, most recently, Johnny Herbert. While the Herbert rumour now appears to have been no more than a hoax, despite the value of having an old head alongside a relatively young one, the other three drivers remain more firmly in the frame, alongside the team's test driver Enrique Bernoldi.

Diniz may end up at either Arrows or, more likely, Prost next season.