By Jamie Makin
July 18 2004

It is now the time of year that all SAUBER fans dread, the time when development on the cars slows and the team falls off the pace and can barely fight for points. But this year promises to be different, as the team has no plans to slow down development on their continually improving C23. Before understanding why this year will be different, Technical Director Willy Rampf explains why the team has traditionally struggled late in the season. "Our major deficit had always been in the area of aerodynamics. We didn´t have a modern wind tunnel of our own, and that meant that we were lacking the most important piece of the puzzle," Rampf said. Considering that aerodynamics account for about two thirds of a car's performance in this era, his answer makes sense. Last year the team discovered too late that the old tunnel they were using was improperly calibrated, leaving the C22 hopelessly off the pace.

The team's new state-of-the art wind tunnel opened in February, and their fortunes have steadily improved since that time. "Since Imola, we´ve continuously been using new aerodynamic components from our wind tunnel and consistently improved our performance. The biggest step forward we´ve taken so far was in preparation for Silverstone. We´ve developed a completely new, extremely slim rear body work that has clearly improved downforce as well as the aerodynamic efficiency," revealed Rampf.

Will the team be able to maintain this pace of improvement? Or will the work that has already begun on next year's C24 take precedence? "Our goal is to have the car fitted with new aerodynamic components at each race. These parts may not always be as conspicuous as the new rear body work, but they´ll certainly be effective. To name an example, we´ve invested a lot of work in developing the brake ducts, which is hardly visible by the naked eye, but which definitely has an effect on lap times," Rampf assured. "Since our own wind tunnel went into operation, we´ve been able to continuously develop new parts that deliver what we expect of them on the race track. In the past, this hadn´t always been the case – and that´s why I´m confident that we´ll be able to keep up with the incredible development pace of all the top teams in future as well."

On several occasions this season the team themselves have admitted surprise at how quickly the new wind tunnel developments are paying off. But unlike most teams who run their tunnels 24/7, SAUBER has stuck to a more conservative work schedule. "Under normal circumstances, we operate with one shift. Thanks to the accuracy of our measurements and the capabilities of our engineers, though, we´ve been able to achieve high levels of efficiency and the respective output. Of course, over the long run, it´s our goal to continuously expand our capacities in order to achieve even further improvements."

The new wind tunnel has been the story of the year for SAUBER, but they do continue to struggle in another key area. Their Bridgestone tyres have been great during long stints, but have let them down in short runs and qualifying. "Since the beginning of the season, Bridgestone have made great strides with regard to consistency during the race," Rampf said. "At Silverstone, this was one of the deciding factors of our excellent race performance. Qualifying, though, where driving one fast lap is crucial, continues to be our main problem. In this respect, the teams of the other tyre manufacturer have an advantage. Bridgestone know our requirements, and I´m confident that we´ll be seeing progress."

If SAUBER can indeed get these issues sorted out, expect to see them remain strong right through the final race of the season.

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