28/04/2015
NEWS STORY
Currently fifth in the standings, Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn insists her team shouldn't be judged on last season's results.
"Miracles do hardly happen in Formula One," she told the official F1 website. "Where we are now is the result of hard work, a lot of endurance, a lot of patience and a lot of motivation.
"2014 was an exception in our history and definitely no benchmark for this team," she adds, "to limit us to 2014 is simply not fair.
"We are only past our fourth race," she says of the Hinwil outfit's current ranking. "We shouldn't over-interpret this kind of standing. We are up against teams who have far more possibilities to develop and we are certainly limited in that. But we feel happy and content where we are."
So, what's the big difference between 2014 and 2015?
"Last year's overall package was not competitive," she admits. "The car itself was not that bad - but also not the best we've built. With the 2015 machine we do have a lot of potential, but we are not where we want to be.
"Equally a part in our standing has to do with the power train, the significantly improved drivability of the power train," she says of the Ferrari unit. "Our supplier has done a great job. So bring a better car and an improved power train together and you have a better overall package."
Other than a much improved car and engine, the other big difference at Sauber is its all-new driver line-up, comprising Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr.
"Those hard and fast rules of earlier days that two experienced drivers are good, or a mix of one experienced one and a rookie, these rules don't apply any more," she says. "We have seen last year how experienced drivers have reacted to these cars. It is difficult for me to say whether these cars are easy to drive or not, but certainly we have seen that they need adaptation, and some drivers - and this possibly has something to do with less experience - can adapt quicker to these kind of cars than those with many more races under their belt. We have opted for a change - and yes, it was the right decision.
"From their personality they are very different," she continues. "South America and Scandinavia are worlds apart. But both are very motivated and talented. Even if their minds have different approaches, the level and quality of feedback that they give is absolutely comparable. And what is so refreshing is the attitude that they bring along. They are so eager to do things and get somewhere.
"We have been watching Felipe for quite some time and yes, be had ups and downs in his career. The overall impression was always that the potential is there and it is just for us to bring that out. We've done that with other drivers successfully, so we think we can do it with him as well - and that equally applies for Marcus. Just look how much confidence is now in him! That speaks also for the surroundings we can offer the drivers.
"They are true racers. One is more quiet, one is more outgoing, but you feel the racing spirit in them both. They are both out to fight for their position and fight for the team. They are both absolute team players. They give the team a tremendous boost!"
It is no secret that Sauber is one of a number of teams struggling financially. The new formula increased costs but now there is talk of further changes in 2017.
"Everybody will agree that Formula One has to represent the cutting edge of technology," she replies. "We also all have to accept that the power train has been the major cost driver - and we actually never wanted to get back to these times that power trains cost that much. The whole issue was made exponentially bigger by the fact that there was such a big discrepancy between the different power trains - and one dominating so much.
"The concepts that are being discussed are very interesting in view of that. The key element has to be that there is parity among the engines. You also have to bring the fans into this discussion. No matter what you think about the noise being relevant or not, any issues brought up by the fans - and if there is a chance to change this - then bring them in and find out what they want and then let's see if it is doable."
The C34 is one of several cars on the 2015 grid showing plenty of 'free space', has the team's resurgence this season eased the situation?
"It is definitely easier to attract sponsors, but to close the deal remains difficult," she admits. "Of course it is very important that with a good result you have the chance to talk to more people - you get their attention and their time - but the economic environment still remains difficult. Of course overall life is easier with good results."
Finally, although currently fifth in the standings, the Swiss is asked how she sees her team's season unfolding.
"The only thing I can say for certain is that we won't be at the bottom of the pecking order!" she replies "Everything else: let's wait and see - I don't want to get engaged in speculation."