Sauber looks set to swap its white and grey livery for prominent blue and yellow for the 2015 season. That is the claim of the Portuguese-language publication Universo, claiming the Swiss team’s colour choice is in deference to new driver Felipe Nasr’s major backer Banco do Brasil. Last year, 22-year-old rookie Brazilian and former Williams reserve Nasr finished the GP2 season in third place with the striking blue and yellow Banco do Brasil-branded Carlin car. Universo also reported a tale of mere survival for Sauber over the winter, having momentarily stopped developing the new C34 car due to running out of funds.
In 2015, Nasr’s teammate will be the similarly well-backed Marcus Ericsson, who switches from the ailing backmarker Caterham. The publication said the delayed development, with Sauber only receiving its new 2015 engines from Ferrari on Saturday, could mean the team has to sit out the first winter test at Jerez. Sauber has also not announced a launch date for the C34, but when contacted, the Hinwil based team told Universo that it is “working to have the car ready for the first test in Jerez”. As for the money issue, Sauber insisted the team “does not discuss financial matters in public”.
Swede Ericsson, meanwhile, was quoted by Speed Week: “The team had a disappointing 2014, no doubt, but everyone is eager to fight back and show everyone that they can do a good job.”
