LONDON — Russian teenager Sergey Sirotkin could become Formula One's youngest ever driver next season as part of a financial lifeline keeping the Swiss Sauber team in the sport. Cash-strapped Sauber announced Monday a partnership with three Russian entities, including the National Institute of Aviation Technologies which is headed by the 17-year-old driver's father Oleg. The other two are the Investment Cooperation International Fund and the State Fund of Development of the North-West Russian Federation. Sauber said in a statement that a development program would be set up for Sirotkin “to prepare him as a racing driver for the team in 2014.” If that plan comes to fruition — and it depends on the granting of a super-license and him being deemed ready to take the step — Sirotkin would be far younger than Spaniard Jaime Alguersuari was when he made his race debut in 2009 aged 19 years and 125 days. The teenager, who turns 18 in August, is currently competing in the Formula Renault 3.5 series. Sauber said the partnership would also include “activities for the promotion of the inaugural Formula One Grand Prix in Sochi in 2014 and attracting the talented young Russian generation toward motorsport. “This extensive co-operation will showcase Russian innovation at the pinnacle of motorsport. At the same time, the Sauber F1 Team will have a solid foundation to increase its competitiveness on a long-term basis,” it added. Sauber's current race drivers are experienced German Nico Hulkenberg, who is expected to move on, and Mexican Esteban Gutierrez, whose path has been smoothed by the backing of important Mexican sponsors. — Reuters
