Sauber’s new F1 challenger, the C23, features many Ferrari-like design cues but, more importantly, also the Scuderia’s 2004-specification engine and gearbox.
Sauber’s new F1 challenger, the C23, features many Ferrari-like design cues but, more importantly, also the Scuderia’s 2004-specification engine and gearbox.
The Swiss team unveiled the C23 at Salzburg airport in Austria on Monday and according to , Sauber has disposed of its twin-keel monocoque design and reverted to a central pillar for its front suspension attachment.
Also note a significantly more curved nose section, crafted flanks to the sidepods and similar flick-ups ahead of the rear wheels. As these pictures show, the resemblance between the C23 and the Ferrari F2003-GA is unmistakable.
The design also incorporates Ferrari’s latest and engine into the package and Sauber claims that many components have stiffened for 2004 without adding extra weight.
“Our goal is to clearly improve our performance over 2003,” said team boss Peter Sauber.
“How well we manage this will depend on how quickly we can translate the results from our new windtunnel to the race track. The competition in F1 is tougher than ever with seven teams supported by global corporations. The budgets have exploded in recent years.
“The squad is highly motivated, and even as a private team we can stand our ground against the manufacturer-backed squad. This is not an easy task, but we are ready to accept the challenge,” he added.
Sauber will receive 35 new engines from Ferrari, via its Malaysian partner Petronas this season.
“We are using the same model engine [as Ferrari] for the first time,” said Petronas engine chief Osamu Goto. “Despite the new [long-life] regulations, there has been a weight reduction of the engine.”
