Sauber release first images of new Ferrari-powered C35
Ahead of tomorrow's track debut, the Sauber F1 Team have today released the first pictures of their new car, named Sauber C35. The team aims to make a solid improvements after a difficult campaign in which the team scored just 36 points.
The Ferrari powered car is set to make its debut on the 1st of March at the second winter test (1st to 4th March) on the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona. The team opted to complete the first test with its C34 as its new car was not ready in time.
For the Sauber F1 Team 2016 marks the 24th season in Formula One. The squad based in Hinwil in the Zürcher Oberland, after Ferrari, Williams and McLaren, is the fourth-oldest team among the currently existing brand names. In the 2016 FIA Formula One World Championship the Sauber F1 Team will again be competing with drivers Marcus Ericsson (SE, 25) and Felipe Nasr (BR, 23).
Team principal Monisha Kaltenborn’s aims can initially be put in a nutshell: “We want to clearly improve.” The team principal goes on to explain: “Obviously, there’s a certain position we’d like to achieve. But, to start with, it’s important to become established in mid-field. Only then are we going to focus on individual positions.”
With respect to the drivers, Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr, Monisha Kaltenborn says: “Both delivered a good, first season for us. Speaking for Marcus and Felipe is the fact that they made only few mistakes. And that they learnt from these mistakes. Now they’ll have to show how they’re going to keep working on their skills following the experience they’ve gained.”
Marcus Ericsson – and his expectations for his third Formula One year, his second with the Sauber F1 Team: “The battle for positions is getting fiercer. But 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. Last year we managed a good start. In the second half of the season it was a harder struggle for us to score points. This season I’d like to see us being in contention for points and fighting on a level where speed is decisive. I know that everyone at the factory in Hinwil is working very hard in this direction.”
Felipe Nasr – and his prediction for his second year in Formula One: “It’s difficult for me to predict how the positions behind the top 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 possible to make any predictions under these circumstances. The whole team has been working very hard to explore areas in the car that we can improve. That’s why I’m confident that we’ve made progress. The season will show what positions we’ll be able to achieve with it.”
