Sauber must now move up the order - Kaltenborn

©WRI2

Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn says that with the improvement of the team's financial situation, it must also improve its performance and move up the ranks next season.

Sauber was facing huge financial difficulties which put the Swiss outfit on the brink of collapse. But a takeover deal recently concluded with Swiss financial company Longbow Financial saved the team and its 330 staff from extinction.

With its future now insured, the Hinwill-based squad, whiuch has yet to score a championship point this season, has no reason not to improve its performance as it turns its attention to next season.

"Our focus is to get back to business as normal," Monisha Kaltenborn told Autosport.

"We need to focus not just on how to survive the next day but to think longer term and get the most out of the car.

"I'm convinced you can still get things out of this year's car, but then [also] focus on next year's car. There are no excuses not to be good next year.

Severe budget constraints endured by Sauber in the past year hindered the design of Sauber's 2016 C35 challenger which was but last season's chassis powered by an upgraded Ferrari engine.

Kaltenborn believes however that additional performance can be extracted from the C35, starting at Spa where an upgrade package, set to include a new front wing and floor, is expected to be introduced.

Sauber will also be looking for a new technical director following the departure of Mark Smith earlier this year.

"We're not saying we want to be right on top next year but we know what we can do. We have the infrastructure for it and we have the people so why should we not have that ambition?

"We would like a technical director back and the people [in the team] want that as well but it's not easy to find the right person.

"There are a couple of areas we need to look at. Wherever it is strategically necessary, we will recruit. It is about additions and replacements."

Exclusive Marcus Ericsson Q&A

2016 technical review: Sun, sea and tech

Chris Amon: A legend's career in pictures

Silbermann says ... Beer can save F1's future

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

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.