Sauber cuts Robin Frijns loose, will he try IndyCar?

Frijns

Sauber has informed reserve driver Robin Frijns that he is not a part of the team's future plans, with the Dutchman to depart when his contract expires this month.

Despite winning the Formula Renault 3.5 crown and subsequently securing a back-up role with Hinwil-based Sauber at the end of last year, Frijns has endured a turbulent 2013. Although there was early promise, the 22-year-old has been given little cockpit time, with a brief outing at the Silverstone Young Driver test the highlight.

In addition, financial issues have scampered his efforts to complete a parallel GP2 campaign. After missing the first round in Malaysia, Hilmer Motorsport offered him a drive, with an emphatic victory soon being achieved at the Circuit de Catalunya. But ongoing budget woes forced him out in Hungary and, despite making a return for the Belgian event just under a fortnight ago, he has again been replaced for Monza.

Sauber's decision is no doubt linked with its plans to promote Sergey Sirotkin to a race seat in 2014. The 18-year-old Russian, son of recent team investor Oleg, is being fast-tracked to the top echelon, and will be present at Monza this weekend.

Perhaps Frijns will now look to IndyCar to further his career.