Reduced weight, power unit architecture changes, and a different aerodynamic philosophy are all on the Sauber C35-Ferrari, Sauber’s answer to the 2016 competition. The familiar blue and yellow livery will be back, along with the familiar driver line up of Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr.
With not much wriggle room in the regulations, the team is focusing on solidifying their position in the mid-field this year, after a tough end of the season left them eighth in the championship last year.
“Obviously there’s a certain position we’d like to achieve,” said Team Principal Monisha Kaltenbourn. “But, to start with, it’s important to become established in mid-field. Only then are we going to focus on individual positions.”
Sauber have spent the winter break making improvements on the car but, as always, it’s difficult to know what to expect for the season ahead, as Nasr explained.
“It’s difficult for me to predict how the positions behind the tops teams are going to pan out this season – and where we’ll be able to line up in that part of the field. We’re going to put innovations on the grid, but so are our competitors, and their efficiency remains to be seen. It’s hardly possibel to make any predictions under these circumstances.”
The new car was revealed at the second pre-season test at the Circuit De Catalunya. The car will feature a tighter packaging around the power unit and gear box, both provided by Ferrari, and a higher cockpit to protect the drivers.
“I’m convinced that, with the new car, we’re going to take a step forward so that we can finish in the points with greater consistency and under our own steam,” said Ericsson.
“This season I’d like to see us being in contention for points and fighting on a level where speed is decisive.”
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Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
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