Feb.3 (GMM) Sam Michael has played down rumours that some teams are running low fuel this week to artificially promote the competitiveness of their 2010 cars.

Speculation has linked the consistently fast pace of Sauber's C29 car at the Valencia test so far with the lack of sponsorship on the Hinwil based team's new livery.

"There is always obviously people looking for sponsors -- but I'm not saying anyone is doing that (running low fuel) as there is no point relying on that," said Williams' technical director.

"You've got to assume everyone is not doing that," Australian Michael added.

In an interview with F1's official website, Sauber driver Pedro de la Rosa was asked about the fact that the team is being "cagey" with details about its fuel levels.

"Obviously we were trying different fuel loads -- like everybody," said the Spaniard.

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