Sauber F1 mark their 25 anniversary with the C36

By:  S. Harding,  Xiro Xone News  February 20, 2017  Updated:  9:33 AM

As pre-season testing vastly approaches car reveals are underway as Sauber F1 launches its 2017 car, the C36, via social media.

​Under the new F1 regulations for 2017, the car features a wider front and rear wing as well as larger barge boards and a large fin on the rear of the engine. 

Celebrating their 25th year in F1 the new C36 features a rich blue and gold livery paying tribute to its time in F1. Along with the new car, the team also have a new owner, Swiss investment firm Longbow Finance S.A.
Team principal and CEO Monisha Kaltenborn hopes it will see the team return to the midfield.

"Together with Longbow Finance S. A., we have great opportunities to be competitive again and to return to previous successes in Formula One," she said. "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 development of the car will be led by Jorg Zander, who replaces Mark Smith as technical director, Smith initially started the design of the car before leaving last year.

Despite having to run last year’s engine, Zander believes the new regulations can create opportunities along with durability as another key factor

"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," he said. "With the tires, one might be able to mask deficits and get development concepts to work better." 

“One of the changes this season is that only four of the six units of a powertrain can be changed without penalty. In the next few years, the number will be further reduced, which is why the manufacturers are going to put greater emphasis on the durability than on the top speed of their units.”

Driver Marcus Ericsson will continue with the team for a third consecutive season, alongside former Manor driver Pascal Wehrlein. Wehrlein who suffered a back injury at Race of Champions in Miami, FL last month has already chosen not to participate in the first test.

Peter Sauber founded the team in the 1970s, having had success in the sports car world entered Formula One in 1993.
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