Sauber’s new technical director Jörg Zander has said that he wants to see the team make ‘clear improvements’ in 2017 after a disappointing season last time out which saw the team slip to tenth in the constructors’ championship.
After a rough period for the Hinwil-based team, Zander wants to help establish Sauber into F1’s midfield once more as the team tries to find its feet after near collapse during the 2016 campaign.
Speaking in a Q&A session with the team, Zander said: “I want to see a clear improvement compared to last year.”
“All of us in Hinwil want that. Our objective is to establish ourselves in the mid-field. 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.
“Overall, 2017 will be an important year for us.
“The structure and process optimisations have to be defined and implemented. These are not procedures that can be implemented through literature or instructions – these are individual adjustments in which human attributes and culture play an important role.
“The team has to accept those changes and get comfortable with the new circumstances. That takes time.”
Zander stated he will be starting work on the 2018 car as soon as possible, but not without looking for stability with its 2017 challenger first, Sauber could also be looking for a new power unit supplier which could very well have ramifications on his design team.
“Together with my technical team, I will start with the 2018 concept soon,” added Zander.
“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 One 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.”
