The Sauber F1 Team have confirmed that Jörg Zander has returned to the team as Technical Director, nine years after leaving his role as Chief Designer when the team were under the ownership of BMW.
Zander will switch to the role within the Formula 1 from the same position within the Audi Sport, who are departing the FIA World Endurance Championship at the end of 2016.
“I am delighted to return to the Sauber F1 Team in my adopted home country of Switzerland,” said Zander. “After many years at the top level in endurance motorsport, I am very pleased to become Technical Director and to undertake the challenge with Monisha Kaltenborn, the team, all the outstanding engineers and mechancis in the new era of Formula 1.
“The new Formula 1 regulations offer a great opportunity to point the way with innovations and technical creativity. One of my tasks will be to define a stable and efficient technical organisation that evolves the potential of creativity and, therefore, the basis for the development of successful Formula 1 cars.
“Initially we obviously want to improve and establish ourselves as a team in the mid-field. Overall it is a challenge which I await with excitement and enthusiasm.”
Team boss Monisha Kaltenborn has welcomed Zander’s appointment within the Hinwil-based outfit, and feels the has an important part to play in the future of the team that has yet to score a point in 2016.
“We are very pleased about the appointment of Jörg Zander as our new Technical Director at the Sauber F1 Team,” said Kaltenborn. “We are honoured that we have convinced such a renowned and experienced technical leader to be part of our team and plans for the future.
“This is a very important step for the implementation of our strategic goals, in order to guide the team into a new and successful era. Zander fits well into our team, he has a lot of know-how in Formula 1, as well as in motorsport in general.
“As Technical Director he will have the overview as well as the responsibility for all technical departments. In our factory in Hinwil he will have the possibilities to work technically at a very high level.
“We are convinced we will make progress with him. We wish Jörg Zander a good start on his return to Sauber, for which we ensure him our full support.”
