Dutch driver Robin Frijns's ability has been likened to World champions Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, despite being dropped as Sauber test driver.
The Swiss team announced in September that they would be parting ways with the 22-year-old, but his manager Timo Gans believes that Frijns not only has a future in the sport but has the talent to compete with the best racers on the grid.
He told GPUpdate.net: "If you take a look at his track record, what he did in the junior series that was really amazing.
"There are not many drivers in the past ten years who have been similarly successful compared to Robin. Maybe Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Hulkenberg and Nico Rosberg. Maybe these four drivers.
"I think Robin is equally talented, so I'm very optimistic he can have a long and successful career in Formula 1, but I cannot give you any team names or details about the ongoing negotiations."
Sauber have signed former Force India driver Adrian Sutil to race alongside Mexican Esteban Gutierrez for the 2014 season.
