Renault will announce their 2005 driver line-up later this week, with Giancarlo Fisichella expected to join Fernando Alonso at the French team.
Renault were left with a vacant seat after Jarno Trulli announced his decision to leave over the weekend.
Trulli is widely expected to join Toyota while it seems certain Fisichella will be his replacement at Renault, although the team are remaining tight-lipped.
Fisichella has a clause in his Sauber contract which allows him to leave midway through his two-year stay should he be given the chance to drive for a top team.
Should Fisichella leave Sauber for Renault, he would spark a battle for the vacant seat with the Swiss team among a clutch of British hopefuls.
Grand prix rookies Anthony Davidson and Gary Paffett have been hotly tipped to be on Sauber's shortlist for new drivers while David Coulthard has emerged as a contender as he looks for a race seat after his McLaren deal expires.
PA