- Jerez Test - Day Four
Ericsson: C34 clearly a better car for Sauber
Marcus Ericsson says he is upbeat about Sauber's start to the winter having seen a drastic improvement over the four days of testing in Jerez.
Ericsson drove the C34 on the opening day before handing over to team-mate Felipe Nasr on Monday and Tuesday. The Swede returned to the cockpit on Wednesday and accumulated 111 laps, including one on the soft tyre (during a high-fuel run) which left him second behind Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.
"We had a really good test and I think it's been very positive that every day we've done lots of laps, no real issues with the car," Ericsson said. "We can make progress every lap we do around here. For me driving day one and day four I've seen the progress we've made this week, from the car I started to drive on Sunday to the car I drove this afternoon, it's quite a few steps forward."
Ericsson got his first taste of Sauber at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last year, when he drove the C33. Though it is hard to accurately compare Ericsson says its clear Sauber and its Ferrari engine have improved.
"I think the car has made progress, it's a better car this year, it's more stable in general, under braking, through the corners - it's just more stable and gives the driver more confidence. That's positive, plus I think Ferrari have made a decent step with the power unit compared to the one I drove in Abu Dhabi. All in all it's positive but we will still have to wait and see the results.
"It's difficult to compare cold Jerez to hot Abu Dhabi, which was the only time I drove this engine last year. All I can say is that it feels good and everything feels like it should do, and that's really positive. I think Ferrari have some more stuff to bring along [to Barcelona] which is also really good."
Sauber failed to score a point in 2014 but Ericsson says the team's spirits are high, especially after a positive opening test.
"I've got that feeling all winter to be hoenst, it feels like everyone in the team is really excited about this season and I think this weekend made this feeling even better and gave some energy to the guys back home. I think we need to push on and continue to work hard and maybe see in Melbourne where we are."
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