Ferrari-backed Sauber rookie Charles Leclerc reckons the team’s return to using current-year power units should act as a boost this season, after recent struggles.
Sauber finished 10th in the standings in 2014 and 2016, its plight accentuated by financial issues, and switched to using year-old Ferrari engines for 2017, having utilised the marque's current-year power units in prior seasons.
Sauber’s decision to use a previous spec engine contributed to it finishing 10th again in the championship, and mid-season managerial changes led to the cancellation of its planned Honda deal.
Newly-installed team boss Frederic Vasseur renewed Sauber’s association with Ferrari, returning to current-spec units for 2018, as the team signed a partnership deal with FCA offshoot Alfa Romeo.
Leclerc, who won the GP3 title in 2016 with the Vasseur-run ART Grand Prix operation, reckons Sauber will gain from its engine decision, as he prepares for his Formula 1 debut.
“Like for any racing driver, signing the first contract as a full-time driver in Formula 1 is a dream come true,” said reigning F2 champion Leclerc.
“Having the new 2018-spec Ferrari engine in place will be a big boost for the team. The newly formed partnership with Alfa Romeo is also exciting news.
“As for my personal expectations – my primary goal is to continue developing my skills as a driver, and to gain as much experience in Formula 1 as I can.
“In terms of my expectations and goals, I will work hard to support the team in developing the car during the season, so that we are able to obtain the best possible results in the 2018 season.”
Leclerc will line up alongside Marcus Ericsson at Sauber, the Swede set for his fifth season in the championship and fourth with Sauber, having joined the team at the end of 2014.
Leclerc reckons he can profit from Ericsson’s experience, the 27-year-old having racked up more starts in Formula 1 than half of the 2018 grid.
“It has been quite easy to get to know Marcus,” Leclerc said. “He is going into his fifth season in Formula 1 and I can definitely learn from him, especially in terms of all of the new procedures which I am currently getting used to.
“My main expectation and goal for the season in terms of our cooperation is that we work together constructively, and provide the team with as much feedback as possible to develop the car in the right direction, so that we can both have a satisfying season.”
