Sauber launches junior team in partnership with Charouz

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Sauber Motorsport has initiated a young driver development programme in collaboration with GP3 and F2 outfit Charouz Racing System.

In the past, the Swiss outfit has often worked with Ferrari, offering members of the Scuderia's Driver Academy - like Charles Leclerc and Antonio Giovinazzi - a path to F1.

Sauber will now have its own junior programme, working in partnership with Charouz, which from 2019 will include participation of its selected drivers in the FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3, ADAC Formel 4 Championship and the Italian F4 Championship.

"Racing is a vital part of Sauber Motorsport’s DNA and the Sauber Junior Team marks an important milestone in the company history," said Sauber F1 team boss Fred Vasseur.

"Sauber has a long tradition of helping drivers reach their full potential, having worked with the likes of Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and upcoming star Charles Leclerc.

"With this project, Sauber further extends its racing platform with a complete and dedicated programme from the junior series to the pinnacle of motorsport.

"We are delighted to partner with Charouz Racing System, a highly professional team that operates with success in all the series."

Sauber's line-up in F1 next season will include Giovinazzi and Kimi Raikkonen, while the Hinwil squad is also offering its support to test driver Tatiana Calderon.

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