Sauber has gone on a bit of a roller-coaster ride over the course of its history in Formula One. The fourth oldest team on the grid, it started out on its own back in 1993, and ran under Red Bull sponsorship for ten seasons before the energy drink company left Sauber to run its own team. It was bought by BMW only a year later, but the German automaker just ended up leaving it, too. Now the team's independent again, running again on Ferrari power, and things haven't exactly been going swimmingly. In fact, last season was the worst in Sauber's history when it finished tenth in the championship, having failed to score a single championship point for the first time in its long history. But it's still in there swinging – and swing it will again with the new C34 you see here.
Taking part in the first test session of the season in Jerez to run its first laps this weekend, the new C34 bears a new nose design to comply with the FIA's latest regulations, but still manages to incorporate an extended appendage. It also wears a new blue and yellow livery with a bit more sponsor presence than the black and white scheme it's run in recent seasons, which is thanks, no doubt, in no small part to the sponsors backing the drivers it's retained for this year's championship.
Ditching both of its pilots from last year, the Swiss team has brought in Marcus Ericsson (who debuted last year with Caterham) and newcomer Felipe Nasr, who served as test driver at Williams last season while winning four races to finish third in the GP2 series. They'll be joined by test and reserve driver Raffaele Marciello, a prodigy of the Ferrari Driver Academy development program. They may be relatively unknown quantities now, but Sauber has a history of recognizing talent: Championship contenders and multiple grand prix winners Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa, Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel all got their start at Sauber.
Whether Ericsson and Nasr will emerge as their equals remains to be seen. Their efforts will be orchestrated by Monisha Kalterborn, who became (and remains) the only female team principal in the series when she took over from founder Peter Sauber in 2012.
Taking part in the first test session of the season in Jerez to run its first laps this weekend, the new C34 bears a new nose design to comply with the FIA's latest regulations, but still manages to incorporate an extended appendage. It also wears a new blue and yellow livery with a bit more sponsor presence than the black and white scheme it's run in recent seasons, which is thanks, no doubt, in no small part to the sponsors backing the drivers it's retained for this year's championship.
Ditching both of its pilots from last year, the Swiss team has brought in Marcus Ericsson (who debuted last year with Caterham) and newcomer Felipe Nasr, who served as test driver at Williams last season while winning four races to finish third in the GP2 series. They'll be joined by test and reserve driver Raffaele Marciello, a prodigy of the Ferrari Driver Academy development program. They may be relatively unknown quantities now, but Sauber has a history of recognizing talent: Championship contenders and multiple grand prix winners Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa, Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel all got their start at Sauber.
Whether Ericsson and Nasr will emerge as their equals remains to be seen. Their efforts will be orchestrated by Monisha Kalterborn, who became (and remains) the only female team principal in the series when she took over from founder Peter Sauber in 2012.
Sauber F1 Team presents the Sauber C34-Ferrari
30.01.2015 - Hinwil. The Sauber F1 Team presents the first pictures of the new Sauber C34-Ferrari.
The Sauber F1 Team will go into the 2015 FIA Formula One Championship with new drivers Marcus Ericsson (SE, 24) and Felipe Nasr (BR, 22). Raffaele Marciello (IT, 20) has signed as test and reserve driver. The roll-out of the new Sauber C34-Ferrari will take place at the first winter test in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain).
With regard to the 2015 season, team principal Monisha Kaltenborn said: "2014 was a very disappointing year. However, this is in the past, and we now focus on what comes next. We have learned our lessons and are confident for the new season."
The team principal's prediction for the new season is short and concise: "We have to improve, and be able to fight for championship points." For the Sauber F1 Team 2015 is its 23rd season in Formula One; it is the fourth oldest of the current brands.
Monisha Kaltenborn is optimistic about the new driver line-up: "I am delighted about our two new drivers who bring a breath of fresh air. Both are young, talented and highly motivated. On their way to Formula 1 both stood out through victories in Formula BMW and Formula 3. Both then finished this career progression off in the GP2-Series. While Marcus looks back to one season in Formula 1, Felipe will have his rookie year in which he comes fully prepared due to his role as test and reserve driver at Williams last year. I feel confident with regard to our drivers."
Marcus Ericsson also looks into the future with optimism: "I am pleased about being a member of the Sauber F1 Team. After a difficult season, we want to move forward and fight in the mid-field like the team previously did. From a driver's point of view, I want to continue to learn and establish myself as a Formula One driver.
I have the feeling of being in the perfect environment to do so. In Formula One it is difficult to have precise targets, as it depends on the overall package. It is clear that we want to be fighting for points."
Felipe Nasr explains: "In my rookie season there is a lot to learn, and especially as I have not yet driven on some circuits yet. In general, I am ready to take on this challenge. In my role as test and reserve driver for Williams last year, I was involved in every race weekend. Furthermore, I also had the chance to drive the car a few times, so I think I have a certain understanding of Formula One. Now I am taking the next step in being a race driver, and I am looking forward to bringing my experience from 2014 as well as to supporting the Sauber F1 Team in getting back into the points."
Test and reserve driver is Raffaele Marciello who, as well as other series, won the 2013 Formula 3 Championship in an outstanding way. Last year he had two podium finishes and won the main GP 2 race in Spa-Francorchamps. Raffaele will also have the opportunity to participate in some Friday practice sessions during Grands Prix. Monisha Kaltenborn said: "Raffaele's previous career is impressive. Therefore it is a logical step for us to give him the opportunity to become more familiar with Formula 1. As a team we are pleased to be there with him on his way to the pinnacle of motorsport."
Raffaele Marciello explained: "I am really pleased to be a member of the Sauber F1 Team, which has a long tradition of building up excellent drivers. I really think that this is the best choice for my future career. I am also happy to compete for one more season in the GP2 Series, which, together with my new F1 role, will give me a very busy 2015 season. I want to thank the people at the Ferrari Driver Academy who are responsible for giving me this important opportunity, and now I really can't wait to start delivering my best."
30.01.2015 - Hinwil. The Sauber F1 Team presents the first pictures of the new Sauber C34-Ferrari.
The Sauber F1 Team will go into the 2015 FIA Formula One Championship with new drivers Marcus Ericsson (SE, 24) and Felipe Nasr (BR, 22). Raffaele Marciello (IT, 20) has signed as test and reserve driver. The roll-out of the new Sauber C34-Ferrari will take place at the first winter test in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain).
With regard to the 2015 season, team principal Monisha Kaltenborn said: "2014 was a very disappointing year. However, this is in the past, and we now focus on what comes next. We have learned our lessons and are confident for the new season."
The team principal's prediction for the new season is short and concise: "We have to improve, and be able to fight for championship points." For the Sauber F1 Team 2015 is its 23rd season in Formula One; it is the fourth oldest of the current brands.
Monisha Kaltenborn is optimistic about the new driver line-up: "I am delighted about our two new drivers who bring a breath of fresh air. Both are young, talented and highly motivated. On their way to Formula 1 both stood out through victories in Formula BMW and Formula 3. Both then finished this career progression off in the GP2-Series. While Marcus looks back to one season in Formula 1, Felipe will have his rookie year in which he comes fully prepared due to his role as test and reserve driver at Williams last year. I feel confident with regard to our drivers."
Marcus Ericsson also looks into the future with optimism: "I am pleased about being a member of the Sauber F1 Team. After a difficult season, we want to move forward and fight in the mid-field like the team previously did. From a driver's point of view, I want to continue to learn and establish myself as a Formula One driver.
I have the feeling of being in the perfect environment to do so. In Formula One it is difficult to have precise targets, as it depends on the overall package. It is clear that we want to be fighting for points."
Felipe Nasr explains: "In my rookie season there is a lot to learn, and especially as I have not yet driven on some circuits yet. In general, I am ready to take on this challenge. In my role as test and reserve driver for Williams last year, I was involved in every race weekend. Furthermore, I also had the chance to drive the car a few times, so I think I have a certain understanding of Formula One. Now I am taking the next step in being a race driver, and I am looking forward to bringing my experience from 2014 as well as to supporting the Sauber F1 Team in getting back into the points."
Test and reserve driver is Raffaele Marciello who, as well as other series, won the 2013 Formula 3 Championship in an outstanding way. Last year he had two podium finishes and won the main GP 2 race in Spa-Francorchamps. Raffaele will also have the opportunity to participate in some Friday practice sessions during Grands Prix. Monisha Kaltenborn said: "Raffaele's previous career is impressive. Therefore it is a logical step for us to give him the opportunity to become more familiar with Formula 1. As a team we are pleased to be there with him on his way to the pinnacle of motorsport."
Raffaele Marciello explained: "I am really pleased to be a member of the Sauber F1 Team, which has a long tradition of building up excellent drivers. I really think that this is the best choice for my future career. I am also happy to compete for one more season in the GP2 Series, which, together with my new F1 role, will give me a very busy 2015 season. I want to thank the people at the Ferrari Driver Academy who are responsible for giving me this important opportunity, and now I really can't wait to start delivering my best."
Featured Gallery 2015 Sauber C34-Ferrari
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