Sauber pass crash tests for 2013 – Formula 1 news
Sauber have passed the mandatory FIA crash tests for the 2013 Formula 1 season and are now eagerly looking forward to make some significant developments during the winter testing.
Sauber’s 2013 car, C32 is the first one to pass the compulsory crash tests for the next season. Moreover, it is expected to be an evolution of C31 which was deemed as one of the most competent midfield cars in this season.
The Hinwil based squad have confirmed that their next year’s car has successfully passed all the required tests and they are now allowed to participate in the pre-season tests.
“The C32 chassis and safety structures have passed their FIA safety tests,” Sauber wrote on Twitter. “So, fully homologated and ready for winter testing (5. Feb).”
It will be important to note that the Swiss team emerged as the strongest midfield contender in this season and their drivers Sergio Perez and Kamui Kobayashi attained some competitive results for their team.
Perez has been considered as one of the most competent young drivers in the sport. He performed incredibly well during the opening few races and one of his best performances include his second podium finish in the Malaysian Grand Prix.
It is to be noted that the Mexican driver secured a multi-year deal with McLaren where he is going to replace Lewis Hamilton from the next season onwards.
On the other hand, Hamilton has planned to join Mercedes in the next season and will be replacing the record championship holder, Michael Schumacher. Furthermore, he will drive alongside Nico Rosberg who has been his friend right from the days of their karting.
Meanwhile, Sauber have signed a new contract with Nico Hulkenberg who is going to replace Perez in the next year. Additionally, Hulkenberg will drive alongside the rookie, Esteban Gutierrez.
The Swiss squad have performed impressively well in this season and successfully secured 6th place in the constructors’ championship. Besides, they stood ahead of their main rival, Force India and behind Mercedes.
Let’s see what advancement they make in the winter testing and how they perform with their new driver line-up in the coming year.
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