Oct.13 (GMM) Sauber has refused to comment on speculation the former Toyota title sponsor Panasonic could be set to return to formula one.

It is rumoured that officials of the Osaka-based electronics giant met with Sauber chiefs, and the team's impressive Japanese rookie Kamui Kobayashi, at Suzuka last weekend.

The speculation is now being reported in the German-language media, including the Swiss newspaper Basler Zeitung.

The report said Panasonic's backing would be a "multimillion dollar commitment", which would be further good news for Hinwil based Sauber, whose 2011 driver Sergio Perez is bringing the backing of Mexican telcom Telmex next year.

Basler Zeitung said Sauber did not deny the Panasonic link, but would not otherwise comment.

Prior to Toyota's withdrawal late last year, Panasonic had signed a new commitment with the Japanese carmaker - where Kobayashi made his 2009 debut - through 2012.

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