The speculation is over. Our questions have been answered. Kamui Kobayashi will no longer stay on the sidelines, watching all the action; he has been signed for the 2010 Formula One season.

Follow the jump for more.

Rising star Kobayashi showcased his talents in the final two races of the 2009 season, filling in for an injured Timo Glock at Toyota. It was thought that Toyota would see the light and sign him immediately for 2010. Instead, they withdrew from the sport altogether, leaving Kobayashi’s considerable talents twisting in the wind.

Now, however, Sauber have seen the light and signed him up. Let’s hope they can give him a car befitting his talents, yes?

Meanwhile, Schumacher is talking about the possibilities of his imminent return. No, not that Schumacher. The other, less talented one. Rumours are now flying in both directions about whether or not he’s speaking with Franz Tost at Toro Rosso about a possible drive. Perhaps the only reason I’m writing about this is because it doesn’t exactly ignite the warm flames of F1 passion deep inside the starter motor of your heart, does it?

It wouldn’t be a complete silly season summary without a word from Bernie Ecclestone. In this case, we’ve got two! Just a couple of days ago, the Mirror quoted Ecclestone as saying Michael Schumacher would wipe the podium with the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, and would definitely take the fight to Fernando Alonso and his old buddies at Ferrari.

However, the Bild has him down as saying it’s another talented German driver who’s got his vote for 2010 world champion: Sebastian Vettel. So which is it? There can’t be two champions, unless the rules somehow miraculously change between now and then. (It is F1, after all.)

Finally, Peter Windsor has written a lengthy blog entry laying to rest the rumours of USF1′s early demise. In it, he says that USF1 has been too hard at work getting their house in order to worry about talking. Fair enough, I say—although obviously there should be some balance between “talk” and “action,” I’d favour action over talk any day. Windsor also states that they’ll be naming their driver lineup “soon.” Hopefully, it doesn’t involve Ralf.