Sauber’s technical director Jörg Zander is hopeful that the team can return to fight in Formula 1’s midfield this year, but is “realistic” that such ambitions may take time.
Sauber has spent the bulk of its 24-year spell in Formula 1 racing in the midfield, but has slipped back across recent season, finishing 10th in the standings in both 2014 and 2016, its lowest ever classification.
The operation claimed only one points finish last year, courtesy of Felipe Nasr in Brazil, as it gradually made progress after a mid-season takeover by Longbow Finance, having struggled with an undeveloped car across the first half of the campaign.
Zander is optimistic that, with a more stable platform than recent seasons, Sauber can ultimately return to the middle of the pack.
“I want to see a clear improvement compared to last year,” Zander said in an interview with Sauber's website.
“All of us in Hinwil want that. Our objective is to establish ourselves in the midfield.
“In comparison to last year, we will implement our development plan for the whole season, but we have to be realistic as our reference is at a lower level than the ones of our competitors.
“We are on plan with the C36 and we are optimistic that our current development is heading in the right direction.”
Zander also commented that he hopes Sauber can put itself in a position to “surprise” on occasion.
“Together with my technical team, I will start with the 2018 concept soon,” he said.
“This won’t happen too early, as we want to conduct a fundamental analysis of where we stand at the beginning of the 2017 season.
“I want to have a good organised team with satisfied and motivated employees, which becomes a name in Formula 1 that can spring surprises once in a while.
“I also want to look after confidence and long-term stability. From what I have seen so far, I am very optimistic that we can achieve that.”
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