Whilst it appeared in the build up to last weekend's Australian Grand Prix that Giedo van der Garde would be a late addition to the Sauber team after a court order, it now appears that both sides have reached a financial settlement to end their high profile dispute.
Van der Garde took the team to court in Australia last week, hoping to get a court order which would force the team to honour a contract he signed with the team in the middle of last year. Whilst van der Garde obtained a court order, complications surrounding his application for a Super license and ongoing wrangling with Sauber appears to have reached a conclusion, with van der Garde withdrawing his contempt of court order against the team in the run up to qualifying last weekend.
It now appears that both sides have reached an agreement to conclude their dispute, with the settlement believed to be €15 million. This is a very large sum for the already cash strapped Sauber team to pay out, although this would cover the money van der Garde gave to the team last year alongside further financial aid for not providing a car for him when he has a valid contract.
It now seems this saga will come to an end, with neither side coming out of it smelling of roses, although van der Garde will not have been happy to give up a Sauber seat he felt was his,€15 million Euro's will be nice compensation. For Sauber this good news comes on the back of an impressive opening race in Australia, with rookie Felipe Nasr coming home a very impressive 5th and Marcus Ericsson finishing 8th. Sauber will now be hoping to carry on this good start to the season in the Malaysian Grand Prix next weekend.
What are your thoughts on this news? Please feel free to comment below.
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