• Sauber

Sauber plans major car overhaul for Spain

Sauber hopes the raft of upgrades it is bringing to Spain can help it overcome its miserable start to the new season.

Adrian Sutil and Esteban Gutierrez have just three finishes between them from the opening four races, with the former's 11th in Australia the team's best result. After being hampered with weight issues the team has announced it expects "an extensive weight reduction and a major aerodynamic update" for Barcelona.

Giampaolo Dall'Ara, the team's head of track engineering, expects the changes to have a positive impact on the team's fortunes.

"At the Spanish Grand Prix both C33s will have essential revisions, following an extensive weight reduction and a significant aerodynamic update," he said. "This update consists of a modified front wing and a new engine cover, new side-pod fins and deflectors, as well as a number of other aerodynamic changes.

"Besides that, we will also have a software improvement which will enable us to use the potential of the power unit in a better way. We expect a busy Friday at the track while tuning the set-up to the new package. Making the best use of the tyre compounds will also be a challenge, as Pirelli's choice to allocate medium and hard tyres appears to be conservative."

But Dall'Ara is well aware Sauber's rivals will also be bringing upgrades to Spain and is determined to see an improvement.

"We very much look forward to converting everyones' efforts into improved lap times. However, we know that all the other teams are progressing as well, so it will be interesting to see where we stand. We will certainly do our best in order to race for points."

The team also confirmed Giedo van der Garde will share driving duties with Esteban Gutierrez, taking over the driving duties on Friday before handing the car back over to the Mexican for Saturday's sessions.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.