Sauber's Kaltenborn: no Ferrari engine upgrade this year

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Sauber's Monisha Kaltenborn says the Swiss outfit will run the whole year with its current spec Ferrari engine, discarding any upgrade prospect.

Sauber is running a year-old power unit supplied by Maranello, a deliberate decision centered around financial constraints and the desire to benefit from a reliable and proven unit.

But the power deficit of the older engine compared to its 2017 version is clear, leading some to suggest that the Hinwill-base outfit could upgrade at some point this year.

Kaltenborn however says that won't happen, but she also believes it's a bit early to judge the unit's relative performance.

"No. That we knew," she said.

"I think it's far too early to say because Australia is definitely not a representative track. We need to wait a couple of races, and then we'll see how big it [the gap] really is," she added.

Kaltenborn conceded that Sauber's entry into the new season hasn't lived up to the team's expectations although progress is in the works.

"We hoped we were a bit better, because we've been following some new concepts," she explained.

"Of course others started earlier, they have understood after the tests where they need to do a few changes. But otherwise I think the basis is there.

"We need to develop that now, and we have a development plan in place. We have bits and pieces coming here, and then we have an intense testing programme in Bahrain.

"We are planning a bigger package in Barcelona and then we'll take it from there."

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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.