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Peter Sauber is confident of securing the sponsorship backing his team needs to be a competitive force in Formula 1 next year.

The Hinwil-based squad’s lack of sponsorship this season has been painfully evident from the all-white livery of its C29 cars, but Sauber – who returned to the helm of the team he founded following BMW’s withdrawal from F1 last November – is convinced new partners will come on board for 2011.

“I believe that we will be on a competitive level,” he told Autosport magazine.

“There is a good possibility for new partners and we are working very hard on that.

“We’re sure that we will have more colour on the car next year.

“I don’t know what colour – it depends on the sponsor.”

After flattering to deceive in winter testing, Sauber had a poor start to the 2010 campaign, but has made significant strides in recent races and scored a double points finish last time out in Hungary.

The team’s owner feels that progress shows what can be done on a comparatively small budget.

“We will get closer to the other teams,” vowed Sauber.

“We are already close to Williams – sometimes behind, sometimes in front – and it’s the same with Mercedes.

“That clearly shows that it’s possible with limited budget to go forward.

“The lap times are on a very good level.”ITV-F1