Vasseur happy after "productive" first week of testing

Sauber's team principal Frederic Vasseur was left satisfied following the first week of testing from Barcelona. The Hinwil-based squad enters a new era in 2018, competing the year in partnership with Alfa Romeo, who is its official title sponsor.

After running the 2017 season with year-old Ferrari engines, Sauber will return to up-to-date power in 2018. Despite a couple of on-track hiccups from drivers Marcus Ericsson and Charles Leclerc, Vasseur was left pleased with the work done over the first week. 

“Overall, it has been quite a productive first week of winter testing for us, taking into consideration that we have been facing tricky weather conditions,” said Vasseur.

"We have gathered some useful data, which will allow us to establish the strengths and weaknesses of our new car, and prepare our programme for the second week of testing.

“Our rookie, Charles Leclerc, has developed a first real sense of what the car feels like on track, and is becoming accustomed to all of the procedures very quickly. Marcus Ericsson has been able to give useful insight into the progress that has been made in comparison to last year, and the team is coming together very nicely. I look forward to next week.”