Sauber fuels rumours of VW tie-up

Peter Sauber at Hockenheim said just enough to kindle speculation the Swiss team could team up with German car giant Volkswagen.

When told there are rumours of a possible tie-up between his Hinwil based team and VW, Sauber said: "Indeed it is so."

Blick newspaper said the common link between Sauber and VW could be Jurgen Hubbert, Mercedes’ former chief.

Sauber confirmed: "At the Geneva motor show we had a meeting with (Volkswagen chairman Martin) Winterkorn.

"We are certainly not going to make public the content of the conversation," he insisted.

Sauber also added fuel to paddock rumours the team’s former technical boss James Key could be headed to Toro Rosso to replace the vacationing Giorgio Ascanelli.

"I’ve heard that," the 68-year-old said simply.