F1: Heidfeld replaces de la Rosa at Sauber.

Nick Heidfeld will replace Pedro de la Rosa at the Sauber team for the remainder of the 2010 Formula One season, the Swiss outfit announced today.

Ex-Arrows and Jaguar driver de la Rosa returned to F1 this season after a lengthy spell as test driver at McLaren, but has struggled to make an impression at Sauber, being convincingly outscored by rookie teammate Kamui Kobayashi. The team recently announced that the Japanese racer would remain with them for 2011, though the identity of his teammate was left unconfirmed.

And with speculation linking several drivers to his seat for next year Sauber have elected to replace the Spaniard with Heidfeld for the remaining five rounds of the championship. The German joins the team for a third time, having raced for them between 2001 and 2003 and 2006 through 2009, the latter during BMW's ownership of the Hinwil-based squad. Heidfeld spent much of this year as a reserve driver at Mercedes before joining the Pirelli tyre development programme last month.

“I’m looking forward like crazy to having the opportunity to go racing again," said the 33-year-old. "After the last months I’m more motivated than ever.

“For me it is like coming home, as I raced for seven years in total for the team from Hinwil. Without doubt I will be feeling at home straight away and this should help me to familiarise myself as soon as possible with the car. I want to thank Peter Sauber for the faith he has put in me.”

Team boss Sauber says the decision was not an easy one, but is pleased to have Hedfeld back on board.

“It was a hard decision for me to make as a team principal," said Sauber. "I want to thank Pedro for his professionalism.

"By signing Nick we have a driver we know extremely well who will help us to further judge the comparative potential of our car,” he added.

Meanwhile de la Rosa said he was “surprised” by the team’s decision, but remained adamant that his F1 career isn’t over.

“I still intend to be in Formula One for 2011,” said the 39-year-old.

Sauber currently sit eighth in the constructors’ world championship with 27 points, 21 of which have been accumulated by Kobayashi.

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James Weeks.