"Our aerodynamicists in particular are highly motivated to prove their know-how and skills," says the team's Technical Director, Willy Rampf.

Their task was particularly demanding this time, given the new FIA requirements aimed at considerably reducing downforce. As such, the front wing must be positioned 50 mm higher, the rear wing is moved forwards by 150 mm, while the height of the diffusor is limited to 125 mm. In addition, the cut-out of the floor in front of the rear tyres has been enlarged.

Willy Rampf added: "The sum total of these measures has reduced downforce by over 20 per cent. Of course, we are aiming to recapture as much of this downforce as possible. However, in addition to maximum downforce it is also important to achieve high levels of aerodynamic stability."

C24’s Concept

The concept phase for the C24 was launched back in May already. However, since the new technical regulations were not available until July, the engineers were not able to start detailed work until August.

Rampf: "During the course of the season, it became apparent that the C23 has a great deal of development potential. Consequently, it was clear that this car provides a good basis. Hence, we based the concept of the C24 on its predecessor, making changes only in those areas in which we identified improvement potentials."

Naturally, the primary focus was on aerodynamics. "Our experience with the C23 had clearly revealed the influence of the sidepods and the rear bodywork on the effectiveness of the rear wing. We consistently pursued this direction, thus making the car even more compact and harmonious in this particular area."

An effective rear wing, though, can only serve its intended purpose if you manage to produce sufficient downforce at the front as well. "Raising the front wing has reduced downforce at the front axle a great deal," Rampf describes this challenge. The Sauber engineers have achieved their objective by using a new profile of the main plane combined with lots of detailed work.

C24’s Requirements

Unlike its predecessor, the C24 is again fitted with a gearbox designed by Sauber. Higher stiffness along with lower weight and an even more compact design were the requirements Rampf had specified for the engineers, and these requirements have been met.

Another engineering objective was to transfer the C23's outstanding reliability to the C24. Consequently, a lot of the relevant findings obtained the year before were used in developing the new car. In addition, the stiffness of several components was further increased.

Tires and Seasonal Objectives

An important change has occurred in the tyre sector. For the first time, SAUBER PETRONAS will be starting to a Formula One season with Michelin as its partner. "Though this decision was taken at a late stage, we were still able to use the findings obtained in the initial tests with Michelin tyres in the development of the C24," Rampf reveals.

After a successful 2004 season, Sauber's Technical Director has every reason to look towards the future with optimism: "I am confident that the SAUBER PETRONAS C24 will be competitive, thus moving us closer towards our objective of further reducing the gap between ourselves and the front runners."