Formula One news

Sauber 'not ready' for big guns

Sauber is not ready to take on Formula One's big guns. That's the warning of Hinwil technical director Willy Rampf who said earlier this week that the Ferrari-powered privateer squad was now targeting McLaren. "We're still a long way from the front runners," he admitted on Thursday. "We're making advances in the wind tunnel but it's not going to be translated into huge track advances overnight.  All of this takes a lot of time."

Sauber's impressive wind-tunnel facility is now running at full steam. Rampf said the team, one of only three remaining outfits not backed by a giant vehicle manufacturer, is 'gaining new insights' and venturing into new terrain. "It's a complex tool," he warned, "and it's going to take time before it's perfect. The importance of measuring a full-size car is, though, evident. The effects of the wind tunnel will only truly show with the C24."

more news

• 12 Oct.
  • Photos: Sunday at Fuji
• 11 Oct.
  • Honda to announce 2009 driver line-up after the season
  • Ferrari faces uphill battle
  • Williams struggles in qualifying
  • Another double top ten for Toro Rosso
  • McLaren delighted with qualifying
  • Back row again for Force India
  • BMW hopes rest with Kubica
  • Alonso keeps Renault competitive
  • Honda continues to struggle at Fuji
  • Photos: Saturday at Fuji
  • Mixed result at Red Bull Racing
  • Toyota team make it into top ten
  • Massa laments lack of grip
  • Hamilton happy on pole
  • Hamilton takes Japanese pole
  • Kubica on top in wet free practice
• 10 Oct.
  • Bridgestone expects grip to improve during the weekend
  • Buemi to steer medical car
  • Trouble-free day for McLaren
  • Positive day for Toro Rosso
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • Mixed Friday for BMW
  • Force India upbeat after practice
  • Honda looking for more pace
  • Ferrari happy with Friday progress
  • Government will try and safe Canadian Grand Prix
  • Strong start for Toyota at home track
  • Renault shows encouraging pace at Fuji
  • Nakajima enjoys first day at Fuji Speedway
  • Glock fastest on Friday
  • Photos: Friday at Fuji
  • Hamilton leads first practice in Japan
  • Nakajima pleased with his first F1 season so far
  • Barrichello's advise to Senna: Do not join Honda!
• 09 Oct.
  • Massa focused ahead of vital race weekend
  • Raikkonen hoping for better
  • Button still waiting for Honda's driver decision
  • Canadian GP dropped due to a 'commercial disagreement'
  • New engine for Glock

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