Sauber out to make a point

30 January 2015 03:01

Formula One minnows Sauber outlined their ambitions for the upcoming season on Friday - to win some points which is something they failed to do in 2014.

An all new driver line-up - Swede Marcus Ericsson and F1 rookie Brazilian Felipe Nasr - take over from Adrian Sutil and Esteban Guttierez, the Mexican who has moved to Ferrari as a test driver.

Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn, in an interview on Sauber's official website, commented: "2014 was a very disappointing year.

"However, this is in the past, and we now focus on what comes next. We have learnt our lessons and are confident for the new season.

"We have to improve, and be able to fight for championship points."

Sauber struggled to cope with the dramatically revised technical landscape last term, and hope that 2015 will prove less of a headache for their mechanics.

Their new C34 car will be put through its paces in the first series of pre-season testing starting at the Spanish circuit of Jerez from Sunday.

"Some components are still from the Sauber C33 and will be successively replaced by new parts," said chief designer Eric Gandelin.

He added: "We will use the time up to Melbourne to ensure we're as competitive as possible when we line up on the grid for the season opener."

Ericsson, who moved from Caterham, feels he is in the "perfect environment" at Sauber to develop as a F1 driver.

On the team's objectives he said: 'Formula One it is difficult to have precise targets, as it depends on the overall package. It is clear that we want to be fighting for points."

Nasr, who gets his shot in the big time after evolving as a test driver for Williams, said: "In my rookie season there is a lot to learn, and especially as I have not yet driven on some circuits yet."

Source: AFP