Sauber, Lauda sponsor in financial strife - reports

A sponsor of the Sauber team is in financial trouble, according to German-language reports.

The Austrian newspaper Die Presse said the owner and founder of the Liechtenstein based Money Service Group has left the company, ostensibly for health reasons, as partners complain that their invoices are not being paid.

"I have tried to reach Mr Seidl but unfortunately I have not heard from him yet," Niki Lauda, whose blue cap is sponsored by MSG this year, told the Kurier.

Other reports from Liechtenstein and Switzerland report that Money Service Group, also having sponsored the Toro Rosso team, is already in the process of liquidation.

A spokesman declined to comment to the Agence France-Presse news agency.