Sauber presence in Melbourne not in doubt despite late staff payments

Sauber has paid the remainder of its staff wages for February after CEO Monisha Kaltenborn acknowledged that the Swiss team had experienced delays last month.

Cash-flow difficulties which emerged for the Hinwill-based outfit last year had led it to ask F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone for an advance on championship payments in November.

Still, the team's financial woes lingered forcing a slight manufacturing delay of its 2016 challenger, Sauber introducing its C35 during the second week of pre-season testing in Barcelona.

"Some of the February salaries are still outstanding," CEO Kaltenborn told Blick media. "I deeply regret that.

“It’s tense. Right now, it’s the most cost-intensive time of the year. Concerning the transfer of a big amount of money from a sponsor from abroad, some problems occurred.

“We will solve this within a short time. We will get on top of the current issues and we will get out of this awkward situation. We will fight and we will get out of it, just like we did in the years past."

A Sauber spokesperson confirmed to F1i that the remained of February's salaries had been paid on Wednesday.

While attempts are made to dissipate the clouds hanging over Sauber, its participation in next week's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne does not appear to be in doubt.

But its current state of affairs will obviously have to improve if the Swiss team, which is entering its 24th Formula 1 season, is to secure its future in the sport.

INTERVIEW: Max Verstappen: The man in demand

FEATURE: Hello to Halo?

ANALYSIS: The two F1 pre-season tests in numbers

GALLERY: Pre-season testing

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter