(Image credit to: Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team)
The team has lagged behind the rest of the field in recent years but, with the new C37, Sauber believes it will able to fight for position this season.
Drivers Marcus Ericsson and Charles Leclerc will also have the 2018 Ferrari power unit behind them, which technical director Jorg Zander believes will help drive improvements this season.
“The 2018 challenger is the result of the hard work that everyone in the factory has put in over the last few months,” he said.
"Speaking about the C37, the car philosophy is much different to that of the C36. The aerodynamic concept has changed significantly, and the C37 has seveneral new features in comparison to its predecessor.
We are positive that the new concept offers us more opportunities and will help us to make improvements during the course of the season.
The 2018 Ferrari engine will also give us a boost in terms of performances. We hope that we will make progress with the C37 and that we are more competitive compared to 2017.”
The launch of the C37 also signals the return of the Alfa Romeo brand to F1. The Italian car manufacturer, a sister brand of Ferrari, will partner Sauber for the 2018 season. It’s logo features on the engine cover, with the red and white livery symbolic of what Sauber hopes will be a new era for the team.
"Our target ahead of 2018 is clear: we have to catch up with the field and continue improving our performance during the course of the season,” said team principal Frederic Vasseur.
"We have put lots of energy and commitment into the development of the C37. I want to thank our partners and fans for their continuous support. The return of Alfa Romeo to Formula 1 sets another milestone in the team’s history, and I am proud that such a historic brand has chosen us for their return to the sport. We are eager to start the 2018 season as the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team.”
Vasseur also defended the teams’ choice in driver line-up. While the squad is bringing young talent into the championship in the form of Leclerc, many fans have criticized Sauber for retaining Ericsson, who hasn’t scored in F1 since 2015. Vasseur highlighted Ericsson’s importance to the team.
“I am convinced that Marcus and Charles form the perfect driver line-up, with one being an experienced driver and one a promising rookie.
Marcus is going into his fourth season with us. He is a valuable part of the team, and we benefit from his experience and precise technical feedback.
As for Charles, he has proven his talent in prior categories and deserves to be on the Formula 1 grid this season.”
----
Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
No copyright infringement intended
Photo rights belong to Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team
Follow us on Twitter @bethonieboost & @F1Insider78
No comments:
Post a Comment