By Jamie Makin (24/2/04)
February 25 2004

After three months of hard work on car development and testing, the Sauber-Petronas team is ready for the start of the 2004 Formula One season. Sauber conclude winter testing

Last Friday in Imola marked Sauber's final pre-season test. The Swiss team packed up and left a few days earlier than their larger rivals, who continue to test this week. The cars will be returned to the Hinwil factory for a complete inspection and overhaul before making the long journey to Australia in a week's time.

The C23's pre-season testing program ended on a high. After experiencing various engine, gearbox and hydraulic problems in prior weeks, Sauber's new challenger performed more reliably in the Imola tests. The team also picked up the pace and were able to match the times of Renault and Ferrari during the same days.

Bridgestone ready to challenge Michelin

Last season it became clear that Bridgestone was losing ground in the tyre war to their rival Michelin. To help turn the tide of battle, Sauber has devoted a large part of their winter testing work to assisting Bridgestone with tyre testing and evaluation of new designs. Although recent test times of Bridgestone shod-teams has not always measured up to their Michelin counterparts, Bridgestone is now confident that they have found the key to gain back lost ground.

"We have found a way to counter it," technical manager Hisao Suganuma told Autosport. "That probably will not happen with immediate effect, but at least by the summer in Europe, we should have some good solutions in place."

Ferrari to use Sauber cooling system?

It is no secret that the Sauber C23 bears a striking resemblance to the Ferrari F2003-GA. The Swiss team have learned a lot from their Italian counterparts and have been wise to incorporate that knowledge into their new car. Now it may be Sauber's turn to help Ferrari with their design.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that Sauber have developed an innovative new radiator system which increases cooling surface area but not overall size. The compact design will allow for smaller sidepods with better aerodynamic characteristics. Ferrari is reportedly interested in using this new design in their F2004.

Sauber visit Bahrain:

Last Thursday, the Sauber-Petronas team made history by becoming the first F1 team to run their car in the Middle East. In a promotional event for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, Sauber test driver Neel Jani drove last year's C22 on the streets of Manama. Over 20,000 spectators lined King Faisal Highway to watch in awe as Jani reached speeds in excess of 300 kph.

"I´m very proud that I was the very first to drive a Formula One car in the Middle East and to show to the enthusiastic citizens what Formula One is all about," said 20-year old Neel Jani. "It´s also the first time that I have ´legally´ jumped a red light! Seriously though, I really enjoyed the opportunity to give the people of Bahrain a feeling of the passion, speed and sound that exist within this sport."

Drop in US Dollar Hurts Sauber:

The decline in the value of the US dollar is expected to hit F1 teams hard this year. Although all ten teams are based in Europe, many of their sponsorship payment arrangements are made in US dollars. Sauber could lose as much as $10 million this year because of the problem and rival teams stand to lose even more than Sauber. Ferrari could lose $40 million, McLaren and Renault $25 million and Williams $15 million. This is definately unwelcome news for all teams in a year that will see two new fly-away races added to the schedule.

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