Fake Sauber announcement fools media
The page hosted on the popular micro-blogging website claimed on Tuesday that a teammate for Kamui Kobayashi would be "announced next week".
The news was picked up and reported by multiple outlets, including the official Dutch formula one broadcaster RTL 7, and the website of the major French daily Le Figaro.
But on Thursday, some other specialist sources including Brazil's Grande Premio website revealed that the Twitter page in the 66-year-old Swiss' name is in fact a fake.
12/31/09 (GMM) Sauber will announce its second driver for the 2010 season next week.
Peter Sauber, the formerly BMW-owned team's boss and founder, wrote on his Twitter page: "Second driver to be announced next week. The team is ready to work. Happy New Year."
Japan's Kamui Kobayashi, a refugee of Toyota's former F1 program, was announced as the Hinwil based team's first race driver for 2010 two weeks ago.
Team incumbent Nick Heidfeld, who was part of Sauber's outfit in collaboration with BMW since 2006, had hoped to secure the second seat at Mercedes GP.
Also believed a frontrunner for the second Sauber cockpit is Pedro de la Rosa, and the Belgian Bertrand Baguette is tipped for the reserve role.