Bernie Ecclestone: 'Sauber need financial help'

Bernie Ecclestone has said that he hopes that Sauber can find a new sponsor to ease their financial concerns.

The Swiss team have been struggling to pay suppliers in recent months, while some reports have claimed that driver Nico Hulkenberg has not been paid since May.

The Formula 1 commercial supremo told Swiss broadcaster SRF: "We have agreements that require us to treat all the teams equally. They're a good team and I'm sure there is more than one possible buyer.

"I don't want to imagine F1 without Sauber. Ideally, they will find new sponsors in the long term. Even companies who are willing to support them in the short term would be fine. The team deserves to be helped."

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and SMP bank owner Boris Rotenberg have both been linked to a buyout.

Sauber sit eighth in the Constructors' Championships.