Sauber: My return is a short-term solution

Peter Sauber on Sunday unveiled his team's car for the new Formula One season, even though he is arguably the world's most reluctant team principal.

The withdrawal of BMW last year put the team's future in jeopardy, culminating in the 66-year-old Swiss again taking on ownership of the team after four years without pressure.

Sauber had previously successfully ran his own marque for 13 years prior to selling an 80% stake to German manufacturing giants BMW in 2005.

He never envisaged taking up the reins again, but a sense of duty and pride in the team he founded forced him to do so.

At Valencia's Ricardo Tormo circuit there was little ceremony or fanfare as drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Kamui Kobayashi pulled the cover off a car devoid of any major sponsor, with the predominantly white car virtually representing a blank canvas.

For Sauber, that underlines the hardship he has faced in the two months since stepping back into the breach, and the ongoing financial climate in F1.

"I had a nice, easy time over the last four years, and this is now a big challenge for me to be back," remarked Sauber.

"When I realised I had to start all over again the feeling was very bad.

"I was absolutely sure I would not stay in Formula One, but please understand, I don't have any problems with F1.

"I would have preferred for it to have stayed the way it was for the last four years. It was nice.

"After 36 very, very hard years in motorsport, that life was okay for me."

It would appear Sauber is only likely to remain in situ long enough to get the team back on an even keel again following BMW's exit.

Their departure, and the team being forced to impose cost cuts in line with the new regulations, resulted in the workforce being slashed from 388 to 250.

Assessing his own future, Sauber added: "I don't plan to stay for another five years, but at the moment I'm also not looking to sell the team.

"After four years with BMW the team has a brilliant infrastructure, and we also have very good management.

"I won't be involved in the daily business, but I will be going to all races."

Although Sauber concedes the team is financially secure for this year, the lack of sponsors is a concern if they are to move forward beyond this season.

Despite the problems, Sauber is at least looking for De la Rosa and Kobayashi to match last year's sixth-placed finish in the Constructors' Championship.

"Compared to last season, we've reduced the budget a lot, and we've reduced the staff to 250," stated Sauber.

"It's necessary to be efficient, but the goal is to stay at a similar level as last year."

Source: Sauber: My return is a short-term solution - Planet-F1 News from planet-f1.com