Sauber extends Marcus Ericsson

The Swedish driver has been confirmed in his role as starting driver within Monisha Kaltenborn's structure for the next season in Formula 1 this Monday. Arriving in 2015 in the Swiss team after a first season with Caterham F1 Team, the 26-year-old driver scored points in his first race in Australia before repeating this performance four other times during the year.

Less successful this year, Ericsson let his Brazilian teammate Felipe Nasr offer the only points to Sauber in 2016 during the last Brazilian Grand Prix. “It’s great news for me to race another year for the team, comments Ericsson. I spent two years with Sauber and now I really feel at home.

From a personal point of view, I have developed a lot as a driver since joining Sauber. We've had our ups and downs, but we always stick together and work as hard as we can. Since the announcement of the buyout, there has been a positive dynamic in the team, so it will be exciting to enter this new era. »

Sauber takeover confirmed last July by the firm Longbow Finance SA had also revealed links between the group and one of Marcus Ericsson's financial supporters, even if Monisha Kaltenborn had then affirmed that she retained full latitude for decisions on the choice of pilots.

Marcus Ericsson also emphasizes that the Sauber Longbow team brings new opportunities. “Many motorsport experts are part of Sauber, which is a good sign for the future. » explains the Swede, thus referring to the recruitments started by Hinwil since the summer, including that of Jörg Zander, former technical manager of Audi Sport, who will return to the Swiss structure.

“For 2017, my goal is to build on my performances from the second half of this season and continue to work hard with the team. I can't wait to start 2017, so we can progress up to the middle of the grid with the aim of scoring points regularly. »