Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn says the Swiss outfit has built a solid foundation after its recent struggles and now has the opportunity to improve.
Following financial concernes across the last few seasons, Sauber picked up new ownership from Longbow Finance S.A. mid-way through 2016.
Last year proved tough for the team, with a lack of car development until later in the season, scoring just two points and finishing 10th in the standings, repeating its record-low classification from 2014.
But now, with new ownership, team boss Kaltenborn feels Sauber has a solid foundation to build on in the future and make progress into the midfield.
“Together with Longbow Finance, we have great opportunities to be competitive again and to return to previous successes in Formula 1,” she said, as Sauber launched its 2017 car, the C36-Ferrari.
“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 C36 we have a solid basis as well as the resources to further develop the car through the season. This will be important to establish in midfield.”
Marcus Ericsson remains at Sauber for 2017, with Pascal Wehrlein – who is set to miss the first pre-season test due to a back complaint – joining him.
