Peter Sauber is confident his team can be a force next term after receiving financial support for the new season.

The outfit have struggled to find backers during the 2010 campaign, but following admirable performances on the track, Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim's Telmex company are believed to be ready to pump funds into their adventure.

Sauber has refused to be drawn on the rumours, but he feels they will make strides in the coming campaigns.

"I believe that we will be at a competitive level," Sauber told Autosport magazine. "There is a good possibility for new partners and we are working very hard on that.

"We're sure we will have more colour on the car next year. I don't know what basic colour – it depends on the sponsor.

"We will get closer to the other teams. 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."

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