Sauber focused on aero stability with the C36

Clean F1 Team launches the week of presentations by unveiling the lines of the C36 which corresponds to the new regulations designed to make F1 cars more efficient and more aggressive. With the arrival of Longbow SA in the capital of the stableHinwil and the replacement of Felipe Nasr by Pascal Wehrlein, the Swiss structure begins a new start to leave the back of the peloton.

Sauber F1 Team has focused its development work on reducing rising aero drag with the wider tires fitted this year. The C36 has been lightened, particularly in terms of the chassis. The front and rear fins and the flat bottom have also been reworked. The radiator, sidepods and bodywork were made as finely as possible.

Jörg Zander, the new technical director of Sauber F1 Team who arrived at the team's premises last month, must get his bearings even if the engineer has already worked for BMW Sauber F1 Team in 2006 and 2007.

“Cars are becoming wider again, going from 1,8 to 2m. The tires are also 25% wider. The front and rear spoilers have also been widened and the diffuser has been extended. This offers more support and grip and the times will therefore improve. We have favored aerodynamic stability over downforce optimization”, explained Jörg Zander.

“The top teams always have an advantage when there is a rule change, but new opportunities always present themselves when the cards are redistributed. The Sauber C36-Ferrari is wider and lower, its tires give it a more muscular look than the C35, last year's model. You can almost see with the naked eye that it is faster with its downforce and shorter braking distances. The tire factor will remain essential as in 2016. Their behavior and the harmony to be found with the tire settings car will be decisive on the results of the races », he added.

The pressure on Sauber F1 Team's shoulders will be significant since its direct competitor, Manor Racing, closed its doors at the start of the year.

“We have great opportunities to become competitive again and reconnect with our former successes in F1 thanks to the support of Longbow Finances SA, recalled Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal of Sauber F1 Team. We want to take a new approach and we have already taken the first steps to build a solid foundation. We clearly need to improve. With the Sauber C36 we have a good base to work from and we also have the necessary resources to develop it throughout the season. This will be important to establish yourself in the middle of the pack. »

Photos of the Sauber C36

Jacques-Armand Dupuis