Brazilian Felipe Massa has signed a two-year contract with Sauber, the Swiss Formula One team confirmed today.
Sauber said in a statement that Massa, 22, had signed after a seat fitting at the Hinwil factory and will partner Italian Giancarlo Fisichella next year.
The Brazilian raced for Ferrari-powered Sauber in 2002 and has spent the past year as a Ferrari test driver. Team boss Peter Sauber, who confirmed at the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix this month that Massa would be returning to his team, said he was delighted the deal had been concluded.
"Back in 2002, Felipe already proved his exceptional speed," he said. "At the end of that season, I had recommended to him that, rather than going on to race for any other team, he should sign on with Ferrari as a test driver in order to become even more familiar with the technical aspects of Formula One.
"Getting first-hand experience of how Ferrari and Michael Schumacher operate is perfect training for a young racing driver. I'm convinced that Felipe is now able to make optimum use of his potential.
"For years, I've deemed Giancarlo one of the best racers in Formula One, and after his year with Ferrari, I also expect a great deal of Felipe." Massa, who scored four points from his 16 races with Sauber, agreed in a team statement that he had learnt a lot in 2003.
"Naturally, though, my goal has been to drive races again. I'm overjoyed to return to Sauber. I had a great time with them before, and there's no doubt in my mind that the team has all the prerequisites for being successful."
Sauber ended the 2003 season sixth overall in the standings.