Returning Sauber in for the long haul

(GETTY IMAGES)

The owner of Sauber has said he is planning to stay involved in the sport in the medium to long term.

Peter Sauber bought the team he founded back from BMW last year after the German carmaker pulled out, citing the economic downturn. Sauber said his planning stretches to the next three to five years. He said that a second driver has been chosen to pair with Japan's Kamui Kobayashi.

Sauber declined to reveal the driver's name but said he was "an experienced man." He says the team's 2010 season is fully financed, though it is still looking for a main sponsor following Malaysian oil company Petronas' withdrawal.