Sauber to Gain $1.5 Million for Fisichella

By Jamie Makin
July 28 2004

Several internet sources are reporting that Renault F1 has paid SAUBER PETRONAS $1.5 Million to release Giancarlo Fisichella from his two-year contract.

An out-clause in his contract is believed to have only covered offers from top teams Ferrari, Williams and McLaren, causing Renault to have to make a considerable offer to secure the Roman's services for next season. Although this only amounts to about one percent of SAUBER's annual budget, it is a welcome sum for the small Swiss team and could go a long way towards funding Fisichella's replacement next season.

Renault's Sports Group President Patrick Faure was quick to dismiss the rumoured payout. "Renault did not pay anything to Giancarlo's current employers. They accepted the Renault option without any difficulties," he claimed.

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