Sirotkin could test in Ferrari simulator - Kaltenborn

Aug.22 (GMM) Sergey Sirotkin's preparation for his Formula One race debut next year could continue at the controls of the Ferrari driver simulator.

This week, the Russian teenager travelled to Switzerland for his first look at Sauber's Hinwil factory, where he had a seat fitting in the 2013 car ahead of demonstration run at Sochi next month.

Team boss Monisha Kaltenborn said on Wednesday that "the most important thing" for Sirotkin ahead of his scheduled 2014 debut will be doing "plenty of kilometres" before Melbourne next year.

"Despite the test ban, there are certain ways we can do that," she told Speed Week.

"Using a current car is prohibited, but we can use an older car," said Kaltenborn. "In the coming weeks we will determine exactly when and where he can start."

Sauber, struggling financially when the new Russian rescue deal was announced recently, is keen to kick off Sirotkin's programme as soon as possible, as at present the 17-year-old does not have a F1 super license.

Kaltenborn said the team's links to engine supplier Ferrari could play a role in helping Sirotkin to prepare.

"There are some options in terms of the simulator, including Ferrari," she admitted. "We will see what this (programme) will look like in the coming weeks."