Sauber heads to Singapore armed with a significant aerodynamic update which it hopes will boost the performance level of its C34-Ferrari contender.
But the Swiss outfit is also seeking a power upgrade from its Ferrari engine partner before the end of the 2015 campaign.
With typical high temperatures, humidity and floodlights, the Marina Bay street circuit is sufficiently challenging in its own right. But Singapore's layout is also a complete departure from the recently visited European venues.
"Having closed the European season on two high speed circuits in Spa and Monza, Sauber will face some major changes in Asia," underlined Giampaolo Dall'Ara, Sauber's Head of Track Engineering.
Firstly, the street circuit presents totally different characteristics in terms of cornering speeds, set-up and aero efficiency requirements; secondly the Sauber C34-Ferrari has undergone a rather significant aerodynamic refinement that will require track validation; and lastly the race weekend will happen late at night in significantly warm conditions."
Sauber, which has enjoyed an upturn in performance recently, collecting points in the last three races, is currently powered by Ferrari's previous specification power unit, the Scuderia having put three development tokens to good use for its own engines before Monza.
The Swiss squad is now aiming to access the latest upgrade implemented by its supplier by the end of the season.
"We are in discussion with Ferrari about exactly when we are to get the next step," said Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn, speaking to Motorsport.com. "For the end of the season, I think we will have another boost."
While hopes of another step up the performance level are expected next weekend, Kaltenborn is remaining sensible ahead of the Singapore race, as Sauber's rivals also seek progress.
"We know what we are bringing there, we don't know what others are going to bring there. So I guess we just have to wait and see."
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