Sauber has released images of its new C36, which features a heavily revised livery while still retaining the blue that has become its trademark in recent seasons.
The car will utilize a 2016 Ferrari engine, a decision made ostensibly for reliability and because it gave the team a head start on developing the car, without having to wait for the spec of the 2017 unit to be finalized.
Jorg Zander, who was appointed as technical director of the Swiss outfit last month, explained: “The cars are becoming wider again, from 1.80 to 2 meters, the tires are 25 percent wider, the front and rear wings are becoming wider as well, plus the diffuser is being enlarged. In total, this means more downforce, more grip and, as a result, faster lap times. We put greater emphasis on aerodynamic stability as opposed to maximizing downforce.
“Basically, big teams also have an advantage when it comes to major changes in the regulations, but when the cards are reshuffled new opportunities always present themselves as well.”
Regarding the engine, Zander noted that it was “a tried and tested system with higher durability to begin with,” adding that “being able to get started early and defining the engine environment was an advantage because the team was familiar with the engine and the transmission as well as the cooling requirements the engine entailed.”
Image: Sauber F1 Team
Image: Sauber F1 Team
