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Sauber is now racing "on an equal footing" with Williams. That is the claim of Marcus Ericsson, the Swiss team Sauber's Swedish driver. Sauber was F1's slowest team in the past two years, but new management and a deal with Alfa Romeo has led to an uptick for 2018.
At the same time, the once-great British team Williams' form has collapsed. "It looks like we can compete on an equal footing with Williams," Ericsson told Auto Motor und Sport.
"In the last two years, it was all about survival. Now it's time for results. In practice we are sometimes even with Force India or Toro Rosso, which is a huge step compared to the last two years." (GMM)
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
3 members have this team as their favourite
Replies (6)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah, it seems that way, but can you keep it up?
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
I'm happy for Sauber, and especially Ericsson - even though I'm not really a fan of his. But they've been so far behind for the past couple of years that it must've been very demotivating to drive that car only looking in the rear mirror. Even when Manor was there those two teams were clearly a much, much lower level than the rest of the grid.
I think they'll keep it up too. They seem to be going about it the right way now.
Patentprutser
Posts: 388
Equal? Looks like they have the upper hand. Can be a driver issue, but I think the Sauber is basically better
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Im not sure yet, the Williams look like a dog, but it was clearly faster during winter testing, so no idea whats been going on. but I'd dare say that Sauber have a better driver lineup by far.
Kean
Posts: 692
@ Calle, I read that Williams have cooling issues and that they may even get help from Mercedes to get that sorted. Perhaps those cooling issues weren't holding them back in Barcelona because of the cool temperatures. Last year Sauber were in a similar position, they couldn't use the full power of their already slower one-year-old engine because of their problems with the cooling. Perhaps Williams are unable to use the full potential of their Merc PU, but once they get that sorted perhaps they'll take significant steps. However, sorting the cooling could mean a different packaging which in turn could have negative effects on weight distribution and aero so.... alot of 'ifs' 'buts' and 'what have yous'
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah, read that too, and it could explain a thing or two. I think things will get really complicated for them either way, and if Sauber are smart, they will try to make the best out of that and upgrade ahead of them.