Sauber has launched its 2017 Formula 1 challenger, the C36-Ferrari, triggering the start of a busy week of unveilings in the sport.
Sauber, which finished 10th in last year’s championship, has unveiled a striking blue, white and gold livery to commemorate its 25th season in the category.
The 'thumb nose' has been retained on the front wing, though the overall design is angled, as is the rear wing, in accordance with revised technical regulations, while the 'shark fin' makes a return.
"We put greater emphasis on aerodynamic stability as opposed to maximising downforce," said Technical Director Jörg Zander.
"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."
Sauber's C36-Ferrari will also use a year-old power unit from the Italian marque, an aspect which Zander says has aided the team.
"Being able to get started early and defining the engine environment was an advantage because the team was familiar with the engine and the transmission as well as the cooling requirements the engine entailed," he said.
The Swiss team will field Marcus Ericsson and Pascal Wehrlein this season, with the C36-Ferrari, set to run for the first time during a filming day at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Wednesday.
Sauber will then join its rivals for the start of official pre-season testing next Monday (February 27) at the home of the Spanish Grand Prix.
However, those preparations have been dealt a setback with the news that Wehrlein will not be fit to participate in the opening test, due to the back injury which he sustained at the Race of Champions.
A replacement for the former Manor driver has not yet been announced by the team.
Sauber's unveiling begins a busy week for the sport, with Renault next in line to launch its 2017 challenger on Tuesday afternoon.
Force India will then unveil its VJM10 on Wednesday, followed by Mercedes (Thursday), Ferrari and McLaren (both Friday), with Williams formally launching its FW40 on Saturday, having released a render of its car last week.
Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Haas will all unveil on Sunday, prior to the start of testing next Monday.
Discussion about this post