The Formula 1 2013 season has kicked off at a fast pace. First Lotus, then McLaren, Force India and Ferrari have all uncovered their secret weapons. Now it was Sauber's turn.
The team revealed the C32 to waiting media and team members on Saturday (2nd February) at its headquarters in Hinwil, Switzerland. The launch was also broadcast on their website and YouTube channel, giving the fans a chance to see the new car.
Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Gutierrez revealed the car in all its glory, an all new driver line up for the midfield team. They took the covers off the new car, revealing a new darker livery. The white dominance of the past was replaced by a splattering of grey, more flattering for the car. The stepped nose remained, but there was the addition of ridged sides. The sidepods where sleeker and skinnier, as the host was eager to point out.
Last season Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez raced to four podium finishes, ending the year sixth overall in the constructors championship. They were strong at times, particularly in the wet and when tyres were the main concern, but failed to be as consistent as they would have hoped. They looked to be closing in on Mercedes, with the possibility of moving up to fifth late in the year. However a poor end to the season meant they were unable to overtake the German squad. Perez made the move to McLaren, and Kobayashi failed to sign a contract for 2013.
A relatively small team, on a smaller budget. Sauber pride themselves on making the most of what they have and mixing it with the big teams. That will be their aim yet again in 2013.
Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn said at the launch "I'm very excited, but also a little tense because a launch like this and the roll out is a very exciting moment. We compare ourselves for the first time with our competitors, which is very exciting
The aims very clear and simple, we want to continue to improve ourselves. The C32 is based on its predecessor, the C21. I'm confident that the team has done a very good job."
When asked how important sponsors are to smaller teams like Sauber, she said "extremely important, for any team. Without our partners we would not be there today the way we are. You must not take such partnerships for granted."
She also has high expectations on her new drivers, saying "we have very high expectations and both of them know that. We have two young, fast and talented drivers."
Hulkenberg said at the launch "You see the colour scheme has changed a bit, a bit more grey. It looks good and now I'm curious to take it out and to see how fast it is." When asked how long it takes to get used to a new car, he said "that depends how well testing goes, it depends how much testing you have got. I have got a few kilometres on my shoulders. More experience always helps, but I think once you are through winter testing and have a good program behind you then for Melbourne you should be in the sweet spot."
He also spoke about winter preparations, saying "Actually after the end of last season I have been around quite a bit. It is a new team, getting to know the engineers, people I will work close with is quite important. Also winter training has gone pretty well, the last two, three weeks. I have spent a lot of time getting myself in good shape, now I'm really exciting about this season and this year, and looking forward to start it."
Rookie Gutierrez said at the launch "As Nico said it is very exciting to see the car here live. It is very innovative, I'm really looking forward to test it on track and then to race it." Later he said "I think the most important challenge in Formula 1 is to adapt to the whole psychological atmosphere. The challenge that I really want to achieve is to be consistent at a high competitive level, that is what I'm looking for."
Sauber hope to continue with their impressive form from 2012, with a whole new driver line up to take them forward.
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| (c) Sauber F1 Team |
Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Gutierrez revealed the car in all its glory, an all new driver line up for the midfield team. They took the covers off the new car, revealing a new darker livery. The white dominance of the past was replaced by a splattering of grey, more flattering for the car. The stepped nose remained, but there was the addition of ridged sides. The sidepods where sleeker and skinnier, as the host was eager to point out.
A relatively small team, on a smaller budget. Sauber pride themselves on making the most of what they have and mixing it with the big teams. That will be their aim yet again in 2013.
Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn said at the launch "I'm very excited, but also a little tense because a launch like this and the roll out is a very exciting moment. We compare ourselves for the first time with our competitors, which is very exciting
The aims very clear and simple, we want to continue to improve ourselves. The C32 is based on its predecessor, the C21. I'm confident that the team has done a very good job."
When asked how important sponsors are to smaller teams like Sauber, she said "extremely important, for any team. Without our partners we would not be there today the way we are. You must not take such partnerships for granted."
She also has high expectations on her new drivers, saying "we have very high expectations and both of them know that. We have two young, fast and talented drivers."
Hulkenberg said at the launch "You see the colour scheme has changed a bit, a bit more grey. It looks good and now I'm curious to take it out and to see how fast it is." When asked how long it takes to get used to a new car, he said "that depends how well testing goes, it depends how much testing you have got. I have got a few kilometres on my shoulders. More experience always helps, but I think once you are through winter testing and have a good program behind you then for Melbourne you should be in the sweet spot."
He also spoke about winter preparations, saying "Actually after the end of last season I have been around quite a bit. It is a new team, getting to know the engineers, people I will work close with is quite important. Also winter training has gone pretty well, the last two, three weeks. I have spent a lot of time getting myself in good shape, now I'm really exciting about this season and this year, and looking forward to start it."
Rookie Gutierrez said at the launch "As Nico said it is very exciting to see the car here live. It is very innovative, I'm really looking forward to test it on track and then to race it." Later he said "I think the most important challenge in Formula 1 is to adapt to the whole psychological atmosphere. The challenge that I really want to achieve is to be consistent at a high competitive level, that is what I'm looking for."
Sauber hope to continue with their impressive form from 2012, with a whole new driver line up to take them forward.
1 comment:
Looks like the 2010 HRT livery. I don't like it :(
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