Wehrlein admits 'old engine' a weakness at Sauber

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Sauber's new recruit Pascal Wehrlein believes the team's 2016-spec Ferrari power unit will put the Swiss outfit at a disadvantage this season.

Wehrlein endured a challenging formation year in Formula with Manor, the very team whose destiny was inadvertently determined by Sauber when it kicked it out of tenth place prize-money last year in Brazil.

The German's move to the Hinwill-based squad is unlikely to improve his track record however, given the team's year-old power.

"The construction of the new car forced Sauber to take that decision," the 22-year-old told Switzerland's Blick.

"Clearly, it will be hard for us if the others are constantly developing their engines."

Ericsson unsure about older-spec Ferrari engine

Marcus Ericsson preceded his team mate with questions about Sauber's power but wasn't sure a disadvantage would have any major impact on the performance of the team's new C36.

In any case, Wehrlein is expecting a better environment in Switzerland to continue to grow his talent.

"(At Manor) we had about 200 employees, Sauber has 350. Compared to the others that is still a small number, but Sauber has one of the best wind tunnels.

"I was really blown away on my first visit," he said.

Wehrlein scored just 1 point in 2016, but ahead of his Sauber debut he declared: "I am sure we will score more than that.

"At least we will be able to constantly develop the car."

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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.