Sauber have announced they will retain Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson for the 2016 Formula One season.
The heavily-backed duo joined the Swiss outfit, currently seventh in the constructors’ championship, at the beginning of the campaign, and will continue their partnership into a second year.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, team principal Monisha Kaltenborn said: “We are pleased about the extension of the contracts with Marcus and Felipe.
“This early point in time shows that the drivers and the team are sure they are heading in the right direction.
“We have full confidence in the talents and skills of Marcus and Felipe. Both have shown solid performances, gained experience and learnt quickly.
“We enjoy having them in the team and they give it a positive boost.
“Despite their young ages, they work very professionally – on as well as off the track.”
Nasr, who finished an impressive fifth on his grand prix bow in Australia has been linked with a seat at Williams should Valtteri Bottas replace Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari next term.
But the 22-year-old Brazilian, who has also scored points in China and Monaco this season, insisted he is pleased to have signed a new deal with Sauber.
“It is great to be driving another season for the Sauber F1 Team,” Nasr said. “The extension to the contract with the Sauber F1 Team is an important step in my career.
“During the first half of the season, in what is my rookie year, I was able to gain a lot of experience from a driving perspective as well as on the personal side.
“Finishing fifth at my first ever Formula One race in Melbourne in the Australian Grand Prix is so far my career highlight.
“Now I am looking forward to the second half of the season. My objective is to support the team as best I can, and also with regard to the development of the new car.”
Ericsson, who combined with his teammate brings in around £20 million (Dh114.7m) of sponsorship to Sauber, added: “I’m very happy that the Sauber F1 Team has put its trust in my potential for another year.
“I am getting to know everyone within the team more and more, and feel I am being appreciated as a valuable driver.
“I feel honoured to be part of the Sauber Motorsport family, and I will continue to do my very best to succeed.”
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