F1 | Ericsson: “Haas is the closest team to Sauber”

Eight days of winter testing were not enough to have a complete and reliable picture of the teams' competitiveness. Many hid, others were unable to express their full potential, still others preferred to keep the parts deemed most effective for the opening match in Australia. However, despite the lack of firm points, there is a strong belief in the paddock that the team destined to bring up the rear of the World Championship will be the Clean.

The reasons are obvious. The Swiss team will have to rely on the 2016 Ferrari power units, and the chronic lack of sponsors does not represent a point in favor of the team which can however count on the financial support of the new owner. One of the drivers of the Swiss team, Marcus Ericson, however, he is convinced that Sauber will not be destined to perpetually occupy the back of the grid. While admitting that at this moment wondering what the hierarchies will be on the track is a "million dollar question".

The Swede stated that: “The tests encouraged us, Because the Honda , Renault they had their problems with reliability, even though we are far from where we want to be.” For Ericsson, the team that will be closest in terms of time trial and ranking to Sauber will be that of Gene Haas. “I think Haas is closest to us, but the predictions are very difficult, after only eight days of testing."

Finally, regarding the economic issues involving the Circus, the Swede declared: "The money should be distributed more equitably. At the moment this is not happening in the right way, because to have a good show it is necessary that all manufacturers have the opportunity to go in the direction they believe in".

Lorenzo Lucidi