Petronas to stay with Sauber in 2010

(GMM) The Malaysian sponsor Petronas is likely to stay with its long term F1 partner Sauber now that Toyota has withdrawn from formula one.

With Sauber's plans uncertain following BMW's decision to quit, it had been rumored that Petronas intended to stay in F1 next year by switching to another team.

Lotus, with Malaysian ownership, was touted as a favorite to receive Petronas, and team boss Tony Fernandes confirmed to the New Straits Times newspaper that an approach was made.

"As it is, it looks like an announcement will be made by Petronas in the coming days once it becomes clearer whether that vacancy left by Toyota becomes Sauber's," said a source.

"If Sauber are back in F1 for sure, and it looks a virtual certainty, then Petronas aren't going anywhere."