Frentzen

LONDON -- German Heinz-Harald Frentzen could replace Sauber's Felipe Massa in next week's U.S. Grand Prix after the Brazilian was punished for a collision at Monza last weekend.

The Swiss-based Sauber team said in a statement that Frentzen, due to replace Massa next season, would test the C21 car for the first time at Silverstone on Thursday.

"In case the results of this test will be satisfying, the 35-year-old German could possibly drive the U.S. Grand Prix in Indianapolis on September 29 alongside Nick Heidfeld," it said.

"The decision of the Stewards of the Meeting in Monza to relegate Felipe by 10 grid positions at the Indy race forced us to think about alternatives," Peter Sauber said. "This verdict would be a major setback in our quest to defend our position in the constructors' championship."

Sauber, fourth last season, is currently fifth in the championship, three points ahead of an improving Jaguar team who finished third at Monza.

Frentzen started the season with Arrows, which has failed to compete in the last three races and who released him in August. He is now taking legal action against the British-based team for money owing.

The German, who started his Formula One career at Sauber before becoming a winner with Williams and Jordan, visited the team's Swiss factory Tuesday for a seat fitting after finding it hard to get into the car on a previous trip.

The Ferrari-powered Sauber has been designed for Massa and German Nick Heidfeld, who are both considerably smaller than Frentzen.

"Only the test in Silverstone will finally show whether Heinz-Harald will be able to drive competitively in this seating position," Sauber said. "All further decisions will depend on the outcome of the test drive."

Frentzen said he was called Monday and told the situation after Massa had collided with Jaguar's Pedro de la Rosa in the Italian Grand Prix.

The stewards blamed the Brazilian who became the first F1 driver to receive the new 10 places sanction introduced earlier this year.

"Peter Sauber phoned on Monday and informed me about the new situation. I would be very happy if I could already drive for Sauber in Indianapolis," he said.