Perez is keeping an eye on one specific mid-field rival for 2019

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Racing Point's Sergio Perez believes the 2019 season could see another jump forward from the ever improving Sauber outfit.

Thanks to a change of ownership in 2017 and extensive restructuring, Sauber avoided a painful demise from F1 and succeeded in putting itself back on track last season under the guidance of team boss Fred Vasseur.

Armed with the talent of the mercurial Charles Leclerc, Sauber became a regular top-ten contender in 2018, tightening even further F1's mid-field.

Thanks to its continued close partnership with Ferrari, and buoyed by the recruitment of 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen, more progress is likely in the cards for the Hinwil squad, a prospect that isn't lost on Perez.

Raikkonen looking forward to 'pure racing' at Sauber

"Sauber is a great team," the Mexican told Motorsport.com.

"They went through a very difficult period for a couple of years, but now I think with the Ferrari relationship they are coming back.

"You see Fred [Vasseur] is a great team leader and I think they are making great progress.

"They are definitely the team to watch. This year they are going to be quite high up. I am looking forward for that."

Sauber's ability to sustain its momentum will likely be helped by the fact that it was able to start work on its 2019 design early in the year.

Team boss Fred Vasseur isn't making any bold projections however, as he remains guarded over his rivals own progress as everyone contends with F1's new rules and aero tweaks.

"We have good expectations but when you have a change like this in the regulations it's a drastic one. You never know," he said.

"You can take the wrong direction and we will understand this perhaps [only at testing] in Barcelona because nobody knows exactly what the others are doing."

"We are fighting towards the top 10, and in terms of teams between P4 and P6, we have to do at least the same. It will be the target."

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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.