For Sauber 2016 was a make or break year, but they survived thanks to Swiss-based investment company Longbow Finance acquiring the organisation in July when many believed that the team would not make it through the summer holidays.
Marcus Ericsson explained to GPUpdate the significance of the investment, “It was very important, before they came in it was a bit survival mode for the team for the last couple of years, and that’s been a problem for the development, obviously. Now instead of that we can focus on finding performance.”
Ericsson, who is the only driver signed for 2017 by the team thus far, remains upbeat despite the team running year old Ferrari power units next year.
He prefers to focus on the positives at hand, “Facilities wise, [Sauber’s factory] is one of the best.[They are] getting a lot of new people from different parts of the motorsport world, so I believe there can be big improvements already next year. Obviously, you never know in Formula 1, but that’s what I believe.”
Ericsson struck a deal to remain with Sauber in November and, despite admitting he was in talks with other teams, he is confident he made the right call for his career.
“It was no secret from my side that we were also looking at some other options and exploring, always [looking at] the best for me. The longer the season went on, the more strong the Sauber option became, with new people coming in, the development into this year’s car, but also looking to the future,” he explained.
“For me, as a driver, you know all of the people, you feel at home with the people, with the team and everything, so it’s a nice feeling to have,” added the Swede who made his F1 debut at the 2014 Australian Grand Prix and made 56 starts since then.
Read the full story at GRAND PRIX 247
No comments:
Post a Comment