Sauber to make huge step forward in 2018

It is beginning to look likely that 2017 could be somewhat of a watershed moment for Sauber.

Over the summer there was a change of boss with former Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn being moved on and Frederic Vasseur coming in.

In August that move appeared to be the catalyst behind why Sauber ditched their plans to partner with Japanese car manufacturer Honda for 2018.

Sauber are currently the backmarkers of the field, running year old Ferrari power-units for the 2017 Formula One World Championship.

But following their divorce before marriage move with Honda, they have now signed back up with Ferrari for 2018.

According to Sky Sports, the new and improved multi-year deal will see them obtain up-to-date power units and gearboxes.

Two months later and more detail is now emerging, which could well see Sauber take even more parts directly from Ferrari, in a deal similar to that with Haas.

Sauber could technically purchase all ‘non-listed parts’, to add to the new 2018 Sauber, a move which would see performance improve.

Ferrari are also keen to use Sauber to help with their driver development programme, most notably, Formula 2 Champion Charles Leclerc.

‘It would be a huge support to Sauber to have this kind of partnership with Ferrari, It would be the fastest way to improve because it’s a huge step in three months. It’s a good way to improve quickly and come back onto the pace and catch the midfield, and then we can see what will be the next step. Vasseur told motorsport.com.

‘We are discussing that we could extend the parameter on the technical side and we will do it, Then we have the next topic, which is the drivers. It’s part of the collaboration with them.’