Sauber’s Monisha Kaltenborn says she’s “pleasantly surprised” by the step Ferrari have taken with their power unit this season.
The Swiss team is powered by Ferrari’s hybrid-V6 and last year Kaltenborn stated that it was partly to blame for their terrible season.
However this year, with the improvements found over the winter, she says it’s been the biggest factor in their ability to score points in the opening race of the season.
“It has been a very big improvement,” she is quoted by Autosport. “They have really done a good job and I am pleasantly surprised.
“You need that kind of powertrain, it’s never just a lone car, it has to be the right package.”
Felipe Nasr finished fifth whilst Marcus Ericsson took ninth in Australia to take their points tally to 14 – more than they’ve scored in the previous 23 races.
“The massive step just allows you to be in a position with the powertrain to score points and then to really grab the opportunity,” added Kaltenborn.
“Last year, we couldn’t have even had the opportunity because we were that far away.
“That’s the big difference to last year; to be, through your own strength, in a much better position, [it means] if opportunities open up you can take them.”
