Sauber F1 launches new Junior Team programme

Sauber Motorsport has announced it is launching a new junior team programme that will partner with Charouz Racing System to race in Formula 2, Formula 3 and Formula 4 from next year.

Having played a role in the development of drivers including Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and current team driver Charles Leclerc, Sauber will further its commitment to junior motorsport with the formation of its new junior team.

The Sauber Junior Team will be run in partnership with Charouz, which has entries in both F2 and F3 for 2019, and is set to reach as far as the national F4 series in both Germany and Italy.

"The Sauber Junior Team will benefit from Sauber’s technical, sporting and commercial support and the first tests will take place in Abu Dhabi later this month," a statement from Sauber reads.

"With the Sauber Junior Team program, Sauber Motorsport will be able to offer a broad platform that will allow skilled drivers to race in the junior series in a highly professional environment and to progress from category-to-category to the top of motorsport."

Antonín Charouz, team owner of Charouz Racing System, said: “Establishing a Junior Team partnership with Sauber Motorsport is a proud moment in the history of Charouz Racing System and we’re looking forward to taking some exceptional drivers on track in 2019, across three different categories of racing.

"The Sauber Junior Team programme is a very exciting development in international motorsport. It gives drivers the chance to potentially progress all the way from Formula 4 to Formula One with a single team. That’s a unique model and an exciting prospect for everyone involved."

Sauber F1 team boss Frederic Vasseur added: "Racing is a vital part of Sauber Motorsport’s DNA and the Sauber Junior Team marks an important milestone in the company history. Sauber has a long tradition of helping drivers reach their full potential, having worked with the likes of Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and upcoming star Charles Leclerc.

"With this project, Sauber further extends its racing platform with a complete and dedicated programme from the junior series to the pinnacle of motorsport.

"We are delighted to partner with Charouz Racing System, a highly professional team that operates with success in all the series."