The Hinwil based team's owner BMW now departs formula one, and although bought by the Qadbak consortium, Sauber does not have a guaranteed entry to return to the grid in 2010.

German Heidfeld raced for Sauber's privateer team in 2001-2003, before returning to the Swiss camp for the start of the BMW era four years ago.

"It now becomes very emotional," said Heidfeld, 32, after finishing fifth in Abu Dhabi.  "During the last laps I had to pull myself together in order to keep my concentration."

The team signed off on Sunday night by revealing that Heidfeld is to receive a special parting gift.

"As a thank you for Nick Heidfeld's seven years of great commitment to the team in Hinwil, Peter Sauber is giving him a formula one car from this era," the team said.