Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley believes the Formula 1 front-running team could be the hardest hit by the FIA clampdown on the Fia’s flexible wings as a new Test debuted at the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.
From Barcelona onwards, the FIA has conducted more rigorous load testing on the front and rear wings, banning extreme bends that some teams have used to advantage in aerodynamic advantages. Each team on the grid is expected to bring an upgrade to ensure their cars are compliant with the rules.
The ju umpire has been out on how it will affect the hierarchy in F1, but Ferrari team principal Fred Vasser recently said it could be a “game changer” for the sharp end team on the field.
Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley also has reason to believe the field could be closed in Barcelona, as some of his rivals claimed they had misused the previous Flexi Wing Rules.
“All teams will have to have some explanation upgrades for next week due to new rules with front wing flexibility,” Whaitley told reporters, including crash.net in Monaco.
“Last time we talked about how (changes) wanted the puck to tighten a little more if needed, and other teams may have an edge over the others.
“I’m a very optimistic person and I want the other teams to suffer more than we do. I want it to bring everything in our way. That’s how I see it (it).”
With a focus on technical layout and aerodynamic efficiency, the Circuit de Barcelona Catalña is considered an ideal location to assess the performance of your car
So, Wheatley expects the impact of the tougher Flexi-Wing test will soon be revealed in qualifying this weekend.
“We’ve been talking about it for a long time (flexible wings) as a sport,” he said. Certainly, at the beginning of the year (some teams really brought great benefits).
“All teams are very smart, they try to mitigate the loss of advantage as much as possible.
“It’s the aero circuit, Barcelona. I think you’ll know it right after the qualifying.”
New updates in Sauber
Sauber is currently sitting at the last place in the Constructors Championship, finishing 10th, with Nico Hulkenberg showing the team’s only point finish so far with an impressive drive to 7th place in the Australian Grand Prix.
However, the Audi-owned team is expected to bring a substantial update to Barcelona, filling the gap with the other outfits at the bottom edge of the grid.
Asked if Sauber’s upgrade package for the Spanish Grand Prix includes more than a front wing, Wheatley said: It will be presented in FIA media before the race.
