Sauber chairman 'disgusted' by orchestrated rumors

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Sauber chairman Pascal Picci is fuming over an orchestrated campaign to discredit the Swiss outfit following claims of driver favouritism.

Team principal Monisha Kaltenborn parted ways with Sauber earlier this week, with suggestions that she had fallen out with the team's owners, Longbow Financial, after refusing to support a scheme aimed at favouring Marcus Ericsson over Pascal Wehrlein.

But Picci, the CEO of Longbow Financial, Ericsson's Swedish backers, is enraged and strongly denies any ploy destined to benefit Ericsson.

"I must once again deny the story that there was a difference of opinion about the management of the drivers after someone said that we would like to favour Ericsson," Picci told Motorsport.com's Swiss edition.

"This is a low blow – like a punch under the belt – that has made us look bad. It's a negative action – orchestrated around Marcus and the team in order to demolish us.

"If the Swede got stronger or gets ahead of Pascal in the standings, then many will think and certainly say that this has only happened because he has a better or more competitive car.

"It's an attitude that I find disgusting – and fuelled by the rumours that someone has been circulating."

Vasseur tipped for Sauber team principal role

Picci also confirmed talks are ongoing with Fred Vasseur, a possible candidate among others for the job of team principal at Sauber.

But Sauber's chairman also reiterated his vision of a bright future for the Swiss outfit, regardless of its current management difficulties.

"Hinwil has tremendous potential, and our primary target is to maximise that – we want to promote the great technology that is still in the factory.

"Many have forgotten about it, but it was BMW who brought both financial investment and cutting-edge technical equipment to Hinwil.

"It is natural and desirable for us to reactivate everything. Sauber will become a rare pearl in the field of automotive technology in Switzerland and internationally."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.