Sauber slams ’stupid’ Kobayashi exit rumours

Sauber has slammed "stupid" rumours it is set to dump Kamui Kobayashi in favour of rookie Jules Bianchi ahead of the 2012 season.

The rumours, having emerged in the Swiss and French media in recent days, said GP2 star and Frenchman Bianchi - Sauber engine supplier Ferrari’s reserve driver - stood a chance of ousting the exciting Japanese Kobayashi.

Bianchi, 22, is managed by Nicolas Todt, whose father Jean is the FIA president and former long-time Ferrari boss.

The move, despite Kobayashi being under firm contract, would see Bianchi paired with Ferrari’s other development driver Sergio Perez, with the duo tipped as leading candidates to succeed Felipe Massa at Maranello beyond 2012.

But Sauber said on Twitter on Monday: "Unfortunately someone published nonsense about Kamui leaving our team. Stupid.

"We are very fond of him, he stays with us!"