Ericsson unsure about older-spec Ferrari engine

Sauber's Marcus Ericsson believes it's too early to judge whether the use of a year-old Ferrari engine will impact the team's performance in 2017.

The Swiss outfit has retained Ferrari as its engine partner this season but deliberately elected to use the manufacturer's older-spec power unit which comes at a cheaper cost.

"I think it’s impossible to know at the moment," Ericsson said when asked if the choice would affect Sauber's performance.

"We know what we get and we know that’s our package for this year and we need to maximise that and if that’s going to be good enough or not compared to the competitors, I think it’s written in the stars!"

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With increased downforce levels equating to more drag this year, the necessity to rely on power appears to be a pre-requisite for performance.

Exploiting a year-old engine could put Sauber at a disadvantage, but Ericsson remains unconvinced for now.

"Of course it’s a worry. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t, because if everyone else finds massive improvements with new engines then it’s going be a big problem for us.

"But from what I’ve heard that’s not going to be the case."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.