New deal to keep Sauber on track

SAUBER have announced they will continue an engine partnership with Ferrari next season just 24 hours after their deal with Honda fell through.

The Swiss outfit had agreed to team up with beleaguered Japanese manufacturer Honda in 2018, only to pull the plug on their contract ahead of tomorrow’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

Sauber, last but one in this year’s constructors’ championship, currently use one-year-old Ferrari engines, but their new deal will give them access to the latest specification power units.

“I am very pleased to confirm that we will continue to work with Scuderia Ferrari as our engine supplier in form of a multi-year agreement,” said Frederic Vasseur, Sauber’s new team principal.

“The shared experience between the Sauber F1 team and Ferrari has built a strong foundation, which will allow us to move forward swiftly and efficiently, also in terms of the development of the 2018 car.

“I am convinced that together we can achieve the results which reflect the passion and determination that is, and always has been, behind the Sauber F1 team.”

Sauber’s decision to terminate their contract with Honda casts fresh doubt over the Japanese manufacturer’s long-term future in the sport, with McLaren, their only other partner on the grid, also considering their options for next year.

Daniel Ricciardo emerged as an early contender for the Hungarian Grand Prix after setting the fastest time in opening practice.

Ricciardo’s Red Bull team have a number of updates on their car at the Hungaroring for the final round of the championship before the sport’s now traditional fourweek summer break.

The early signs appeared promising for Ricciardo (above), a winner at last month’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as he soared to the top of the time sheets.