Two well-known German drivers on Tuesday said they have not given up on formula one.
2011 was Nick Heidfeld’s twelfth consecutive season on the grid, but the 34-year-old former Williams, BMW and Renault driver has been left without a seat for 2012.
He will race at the fabled 24 hour Le Mans race this year but on Tuesday said he still hopes to be involved in F1.
"Of course I’ve been trying to get a seat," he said on Austrian television Servus TV, "but we all know that it’s not easy at the moment, with money playing a big role.
"I’ve been there (in F1) for many years, it was a great time, but I would still like to be involved for a bit longer," added Heidfeld.
Also forced onto the sidelines in 2012 is Adrian Sutil, the former Force India driver who has vowed to fight his new conviction for grievous bodily harm.
"The plan, very clearly, is formula one," he insisted on Tuesday.
"This is a new situation for me, but I’m motivated. Maybe I am having to have a short break, but it could be over very quickly if any opportunities open up.
"I’m hopeful," the 29-year-old admitted. "It’s always difficult to make plans in this business, but I would like to come back in 2013 with a very good team.
"It’s a shame for me that I will probably not be there at the start in Melbourne, but hopefully one way or another I will (be back) in the course of the year," added Sutil.