Sauber eyeing return to points with Barcelona package

Sauber have set their sights on returning to the the level of competitiveness they showed during the 2013 season, with a heavily revised package in Spain which includes a new lightweight chassis among other upgrades.

Sauber’s start to the 2014 season has been nothing short of disappointing, with the Swiss squad failing to score a single point in the first flyaway races of the season. To reverse their fortunes, the Hinwil-based outfit is bringing a string of updates at next week’s Barcelona race which could be further tested at the in-season test, which takes place at the same venue a week later.

“At the Spanish Grand Prix both C33s will have essential revisions, following an extensive weight reduction and a significant aerodynamic update. This update consists of a modified front wing and a new engine cover, new side-pod fins and deflectors, as well as a number of other aerodynamic changes. Besides that, we will also have a software improvement which will enable us to use the potential of the power unit in a better way,” Giampaolo Dall’Ara, the team’s head of track engineering explained.

While all teams are expected to bring major updates to the first European race of the season, Dall’Ara seemed fairly confident about Sauber’s chances of breaking their points duck in Barcelona.

“We very much look forward to converting everyone’s efforts into improved lap times. However, we know that all the other teams are progressing as well, so it will be interesting to see where we stand. We will certainly do our best in order to race for points.”

But performance is one thing and reliability is another, and Adrian Sutil needs as much of the latter as he needs the former after three straight retirements.

“We will be travelling to Barcelona with some car updates, which I hope will help us to improve our performance,” the 31-year-old said. “Obviously, I expect more than in the last races. After three retirements in a row, we need to finish this race. I am looking forward, and I think that our performance will be stronger than in the previous races.”

Meanwhile, Esteban Gutirrez, who has had slightly better fortune in terms of reliability than his German teammate, says he has faith in the team and the upgrades it is bringing at the start of the European leg of the season.

“The Spanish Grand Prix is the beginning of the European season, and where updates to the car will be introduced. For us it is an opportunity to improve our level of competitiveness. I have faith in my team, everyone is doing their best. We are positive and expect to make a step forward,” the Mexican said in the team’s official press release.

By Rachit Thukral