( CNN ) -- German driver Nick Heidfeld has replaced Pedro de la Rosa at Formula One team Sauber for the rest of the season . The 33-year-old , who drove for Sauber from 2001-03 and again from 2006-09 , will take over from the Spaniard for the next race in Singapore and the four following races . `` I 'm looking forward like crazy to having the opportunity to go racing again in a good car in Formula One from the Singapore Grand Prix onwards , '' said Heidfeld in a statement on the Sauber website . `` After the last months I 'm even more motivated than ever . For me it is like coming home , as I raced for seven years in total for the team from Hinwil . '' Heidfeld began the season at Mercedes as a test driver for Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg before leaving to work with tire manufacturer Pirelli . De la Rosa has been dropped after only managing to score six points so far this season . Sauber 's other driver , Japan 's Kamui Kobayashi , has 21 points . `` I am surprised by the team 's decision , but I respect it and would like to wish everyone good luck for the remainder of the season , '' said De la Rosa , who vowed to continue in the sport next season . Heidfeld has posted 12 podium finishes in 167 Grand Prix since making his debut with the Prost team in 2000 . `` It was a hard decision for me to make as a Team Principal and I want to thank Pedro for his professionalism , '' said team principal Peter Sauber . `` By signing Nick we have a driver we know extremely well who will help us to further judge the comparative potential of our car . ''
Nick Heidfeld joins Sauber for the start of the 2018 Formula One season . Heidfeld replaces Pedro de la Rosa , who is ' surprised ' by the decision . He started season as test driver for McLaren before joining Pirelli .