Toyota's F1 exit has been unofficially hailed as the saviour of the Sauber team, who were waiting for a spot to open up on the 2010 grid. But as yet the Hinwil-based team has made no formal comment.

Founder Peter Sauber tells Switzerland's 20min.ch: "The (takeover) contract between BMW and Qadbak is only in force if the FIA officially confirms the entry for 2010.

"BMW is still the owner and is therefore responsible for the communication. Personally I'm in the passenger seat at the moment," the Swiss added.

In the wake of Toyota's announcement this week, the FIA said it was studying the legality of the move because it has "a direct bearing on the admission of any future 13th entry".