The Sauber Formula One team have poured scorn on a recent round of internet-based rumours that suggested the team were preparing to ditch Kamui Kobayashi for Ferrari reserve driver Jules Bianchi for the 2012 season.
Sauber confirmed Kobayashi, along with 2011 team mate Sergio Perez, at the team for next season earlier this year.
However, rumours emerged in the French F1 press over recent days that the team were preparing to replace the Japanese driver with Bianchi next season.
The rumour was based on little other than the ongoing link between Sauber and engine suppliers Ferrari, with Perez being a Ferrari-aligned driver as well.
But the team has dismissed suggestions that they may be lining up such a move, saying that they were fully behind Kobayashi.
"Unfortunately someone published nonsense about Kamui leaving our team. Stupid." the team wrote on their official Twitter feed.
They added: "We are very fond of him, he stays with us!"
Bianchi has been linked with a number of F1 seats for 2012, including a drive at the Williams team.
However, the Frenchman is reportedly more likely to secure a reserve driver role for 2012, potentially at the Force India squad.
Bianchi is believed to be one of a number of drivers in the frame to replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari should the team ditch the Brazilian at the end of 2012.
His name, along with Perez, has been mooted for the drive, though reports have also linked injured Renault driver Robert Kubica with a move to the Italian squad for 2013.
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