Jörg Zander: Sauber aims for mid-grid

Chief designer of BMW-Sauber in 2006 and 2007, Jörg Zander joined the Audi Sport fold in endurance after several seasons in F1, before formalizing his return to the category car for 2017 within Sauber.

A return to basics for the engineer, at a time when the training ofHinwil will approach the new technical era with a pair of drivers modified compared to 2016. Pascal Wehrlein, who replaced Felipe Nasr, will support Marcus Ericsson. The two starters must help Sauber progress in the hierarchy.

“I want to see a marked improvement from last year,” comments Zander. All of us in Hinwil want it. Our goal is to establish ourselves in the middle of the grid. Compared to last year, we will implement our development plan for the whole season, but we have to be realistic because our benchmarks are at a lower level than our competitors.

We are on schedule with the C36 and we are optimistic that our current development is heading in the right direction. At this time it is impossible to make predictions in relation to our competitors due to new regulations. »

The technician also recalls that Sauber is entering a new phase in its development as a team. With a new financial base, after the takeover last year, Sauber wants to evolve in its organization.

“Overall, 2017 will be an important year for us,” Zander continues. Structural and process optimizations must be defined and implemented. These are not procedures that can be implemented by literature or instructions.

These are individual adjustments in which human attributes and culture play an important role. The team must accept these changes and feel comfortable with the new circumstances. It takes time. »

Zander further explains that after the long work of developing the new 2017 single-seater, studies for 2018 will not begin before having fully understood the new regulations. “Together with my technical team, I will soon start with the 2018 concept. This will not happen too soon, because we want to carry out a fundamental analysis of our position at the start of the 2017 season.

I want to have a good, organized team with satisfied and motivated employees, and that our name in Formula One can create surprises from time to time. I also want to ensure long-term trust and stability. From what I've seen so far, I'm very optimistic that we can get there. »