Sauber Reveal 2017 F1 Challenger

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief

Sauber F1 Team celebrates their 25 years in Formula 1 with an all-new livery on the C36 chassis – their 2017 challenger.

Although he only just joined the Hinwill-based squad in January, new technical director Jorg Zander  pushed its development after replacing Mark Smith, whom began the car’s design but left in March last season.

Powered by a year-old Ferrari engine which is likely to hamper its full potential, Zander put a bigger focus on the aerodynamics.

Sauber
Photo: Sauber F1 Team

“We put greater emphasis on aerodynamic stability as opposed to maximizing downforce,” Zander said.

“Basically, big teams also have an advantage when it comes to major changes in the regulations, but when the cards are reshuffled new opportunities always present themselves as well.”

The C36 is the first car to be produced under Sauber’s new owners Longbow Finance, and team principal Monisha Kaltenborn is positive about the chance to be more competitive.

Together with Longbow Finance S. A., we have great opportunities to be competitive again and to return to previous successes in Formula One,” said Kaltenborn.

“We want to position ourselves with a new approach, and we have already taken the first steps in order to build a solid foundation for the future.”

“We clearly have to improve. With the Sauber C36-Ferrerai we have a solid basis as well as the resources to further develop the Sauber C36-Ferrari through the season. This will be important to establish in mid-field.”

The team scored its only points last year at the Brazilian Grand Prix after Felipe Nasr finished ninth – enough for 10th in the Constructor’s Championship. Although Marcus Ericsson returns for a second term with the team, Nasr has been replaced by former Manor driver Pascal Wehrlein – who will sit out pre-season testing at Barcelona next week as Antonio Giovinazzi fills in.

About Joey Barnes 597 Articles
Joey Barnes is the Founder of Motorsports Tribune, an outlet that began with the goal of helping aspiring journalists break into and grow the industry. A regular on the racing scene since 2013, the journey for Joey started by covering a Grand-Am event at Circuit of The Americas in his home state of Texas. He has since primarily focused on the IndyCar Series, with appearances in the garages of NASCAR, paddocks of Formula 1, IMSA and World Endurance Championship, while also occasionally engulfing clouds of dust at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals and select Supercross rounds. With previous stops at Autoweek, IndyCar.com, Motorsport.com and RACER, among others, Joey evolved from the singular task as a freelance writer to advanced roles behind the copy desk and alongside some of the best editorial teams in the business. Recognized as a multi-time award winner by the National Motorsports Press Association, Joey currently resides in Dallas-Fort Worth with his trusty four-legged canine companion, Rocket.

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