Exlusive Sauber C22 Preview

The 2003 model
By Phil Huff
January 9 2003

Sauber Speak take a look at some of the finer details of the 2003 challenger, the Sauber Petronas C22. Pictures from the abandoned Fiorino test illustrate the latest developments.

		Sticking with twin keel The C22 retains the twin keel approach pioneered by Harvey Postlethwaite on the C20, and since duplicated by McLaren and Jordan (though significantly not Ferrari), which allows a cleaner airflow underneath the car.
		No engine cover kink Despite 'borrowing' a lot of the rear end of the car from the Ferrari F2002, the distinctive kink on the engine cover does not appear on the C22. This could suggest the engine is mounted higher than in the Ferrari, perhaps compromising weight distribution for benefits in other areas.
		Big bore The exhaust chutes are huge, and again indicate the engine is mounted higher than in the Ferrari F2002. While this might give a marginal aerodynamic disadvantage, the heat from the exhausts should skip most of the critical rear suspension components.
		Heavily sculptured wing Not unusual on a Sauber, the C22's front wing (at this stage at least) is heavily sculptured. When the new wind tunnel is online, expect significant changes.
		Small but no Ferrari The back end looks to be quite tidy and compact, but is still noticeably larger than the Ferrari F2002's rear. The smaller the car at the back, the more efficient the airflow over the rear wing - it's still good by F1 standards, though.
		Aero tweaks A lot of work seems to have gone in to cleaning up the airflow over the rear of the car. Allowing for the size of the bodywork at the back, various appendages have been placed on the car to move the air cleanly over the tyres and rear wing. Neat, tidy and efficient.