Sauber to present its single-seater in Barcelona on February 22

This year, the Swiss team will be well prepared for the winter tests as their car complying with the new regulations will be unveiled on February 22 during a promotional day at the Barcelona circuit. Each team is entitled to one such day, but it must not exceed 100 kilometers with a car fitted with demonstration tires. Last year, the Hinwil outfit had only started testing with their previous year’s car before finishing with the new car to make up for a design delay.

The 2016 season proved quite difficult for the team, with a tenth place in the Constructors’ Championship snatched from Manor thanks to the two points scored by Felipe Nasr during a tumultuous Brazilian race. This position in the standings secured the financial bonus that comes with it. But it was mainly the arrival of new investors in July that brightened the team’s future. This even allowed the recruitment of new engineers to strengthen the team.

It is not certain that this season will be any easier from a sporting perspective, as the Sauber C36 will have to make do with a 2016 specification Ferrari engine, which will not benefit from any upgrades during the season. When we see the difficulties Toro Rosso faced this season with an engine from the previous year, we might worry about the performance of the Swiss team.

On the drivers’ side, Marcus Ericsson is retained for a third season at Sauber. The new addition will be Pascal Wehrlein, the young Mercedes protégé, replacing Felipe Nasr, who has been fairly inconsistent and lost the support of Banco do Brazil. The German will visit the factory next week to integrate with the team and fit his seat.

The schedule for the presentations is as follows: February 21 for Renault, February 22 for Sauber and Force India, February 23 for Mercedes, and finally, February 24 for Ferrari and McLaren. The other teams have not yet revealed their plans.