Sauber justifies its delays by the change of calendar which happened in late 2015 which changed the dates of Barcelona’s tests. Therefore, the Swiss team will have to run a C34 adapted to 2016 norms during the four first days of preseason testing.
As launch car dates are being revealed those last days, we are facing a situation where the car will not be revealed. Sauber, one of the most modest team on the grid those last years, faces difficulties in the elaboration of their new car which prevent them to take part of preseason testing in Barcelona.
Last change of calendar brought back the Australian Grand Prix to the end of March and advanced Barcelona’s testing of one week. This change caught Sauber by surprise as they planned their schedule for a start of the season by the beginning of April and testing in March. Swiss team’s efforts are not enough to be ready for the first testing session.
In this unfavorable situation towards other teams on the grid, Sauber will be still able to spend testing with the car from last year adapted to new regulations. Therefore, Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson will be able to take part of testing between 22nd and 26th of February even if they won’t be able to improve the car on track.
The team claims they will be able to bring their new car to the second testing session between 1st and 4th April in Barcelona. They will test C35 chassis for the first time targeting the Australian Grand Prix. For fans and curious people, they already announced they will use their 2016 livery on the 2015 car.
Sauber has to face the fact their direct rivals for 2016, Manor and Haas, have already passed crash test and will take part of the first tests.