Sauber passes safety tests

12/12/2012

Sauber has revealed that it has passed the initial FIA safety tests and is now prepared for the first of the pre-season tests, at Jerez.

The Swiss team tweeted the news this morning: "The C32 chassis and safety structures have passed their FIA safety tests. So, fully homologated and ready for winter testing (5. Feb)".

Having finished sixth in the Constructors' Championship, 16 points shy of Mercedes and 17 points clear of Force India, the Hinwil-based outfit, which scored four podium finishes - is seeking further improvements in 2013.

However, with an-all new driver line-up, Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Gutierrez replacing Kamui Kobayashi and (McLaren bound) Sergio Perez, some believe the team will struggle.

Though no launch dates have yet been announced, Sauber is the first team to confirm that it has passed the FIA tests.