The Sauber F1 Team have become the latest team to reveal the car they will be racing with during the 2015 Formula 1 season.
The Swiss team, led by Monisha Kaltenborn, endured a terrible 2014 season, with neither Adrian Sutil nor Esteban Gutierrez able to secure any points, meaning for the first time in the teams’ history, they ended the season pointless and a lowly tenth in the constructors’ championship.
Now with a new-for-2015 line-up of Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr, plus the introduction of the Ferrari-powered C34, Team Principal Kaltenborn is hoping the team returns to points scoring form this season.
“2014 was a very disappointing year,” insisted Kaltenborn. “However, this is in the past, and we now focus on what comes next. We have learned our lessons and are confident for the new season.
“We have to improve, and be able to fight for championship points.”
Kaltenborn feels the new driver line-up of Ericsson and Nasr provides her with some optimism that results will improve in 2015 after seeing a best finish of eleventh place during 2014.
“I am delighted about our two new drivers who bring a breath of fresh air,” added Kaltenborn. “Both are young, talented and highly motivated. On their way to Formula 1 both stood out through victories in Formula BMW and Formula 3. Both then finished this career progression off in the GP2-Series.
“While Marcus looks back to one season in Formula 1, Felipe will have his rookie year in which he comes fully prepared due to his role as test and reserve driver at Williams last year. I feel confident with regard to our drivers.”
Ericsson joins the team after racing for the Caterham F1 Team in 2014, where he finished a seasons-best of eleventh in Monaco, and is pleased to be back on the F1 grid in 2015 with the Sauber team, believing it will give him the opportunity to establish himself on the F1 grid.
“I am pleased about being a member of the Sauber F1 Team,” insisted Ericsson. “After a difficult season, we want to move forward and fight in the midfield like the team previously did. From a driver’s point of view, I want to continue to learn and establish myself as a Formula One driver.
“I have the feeling of being in the perfect environment to do so. In Formula One it is difficult to have precise targets, as it depends on the overall package. It is clear that we want to be fighting for points.”
Team-mate Nasr joins the team for his rookie F1 season after finishing third in the 2014 GP2 Series with Carlin, and ran a number of free practice sessions last year as reserve driver for Williams Martini Racing. He feels ready to step into the race seat this season, and is eager to get on with his job.
“In my rookie season there is a lot to learn, and especially as I have not yet driven on some circuits yet,” said Nasr. “In general, I am ready to take on this challenge. In my role as test and reserve driver for Williams last year, I was involved in every race weekend. Furthermore, I also had the chance to drive the car a few times, so I think I have a certain understanding of Formula One.
“Now I am taking the next step in being a race driver, and I am looking forward to bringing my experience from 2014 as well as to supporting the Sauber F1 Team in getting back into the points.”
Sauber hope the C34 enables them to return to points scoring form in 2015 (Credit: Sauber Motorsport AG)
