Caterham’s Marcus Ericsson will race for Sauber next season the Swiss team has confirmed.
The Swedish driver is currently without a race seat due to Caterham’s financial worries which has led to the team pulling out of the next two events.
However Ericsson’s short-term future is safe, with Sauber signing the 24-year-old to replace either Adrian Sutil or Esteban Gutierrez next year.
“Fresh from a very turbulent week, I was suddenly given my best early Christmas present ever,” said Ericsson. “The Sauber F1 Team has put its trust in me for 2015, and it makes me proud, as Sauber is known to be one of the best teams in developing young drivers.
“It will be a great challenge. I will give my very best to develop both as a driver, and to be part of the challenge to put the Sauber F1 Team back closer to the front where it belongs.”
Team principal Monisha Kaltenborn added: “We are pleased to announce this cooperation. We have got to know Marcus as a highly motivated driver. He did not have an easy rookie season this year in Formula One, however, he kept calm and improved continuously, mainly in the last races.
“We are convinced that signing Marcus can give the team a fresh impetus.”