Sauber expecting to struggle

Sauber drivers Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson are expecting their performance level to vary over the summer depending on the tracks.

The Swiss outfit's machines appear to suffer on high-downforce layouts, like Barcelona last weekend. Consequently, the squad will attempt to make the most of the next two races in Monaco and Montreal, where the Sauber's efficient traction could boost its chances for points.

"We knew Barcelona would not suit us as it requires good downforce," commented Marcus Ericsson. "And as the other teams bring on their upgrades, we expected to be less competitive than Toro Rosso for example. On this type of track, we will undoubtedly struggle this year."

Brazilian rookie Felipe Nasr has acquitted himself well since the start of the season, finishing fifth in Australia and scoring more points for Sauber in China as the 22-year-old pursues his apprenticeship at the highest level.

"From my point of view, I took the maximum out of the car," Nasr said after the Spanish Grand Prix. "I think I capitalised well in the early races to score as much as possible when I had the opportunity."

Although it has benefitted from a much improved Ferrari engine, Sauber has struggled to make ends meet this year, its limited budget further burdened by a payout ordered by the courts in Australia to compensate Giedo van der Garde for the failure to complete the Dutchman's contract.

Therefore, development and upgrades may prove few and far between in the coming months with the team not expecting any major changes to its C34 car before the mid-season.

Click here for Wednesday's gallery from testing at the Circuit de Catalunya

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