MARCH 17, 2016

Ericsson thinks Sauber problems over now

Sauber's drivers have put a brave face on swirling speculation about the future of the Swiss team.

Before the 2016 season even starts in Melbourne this weekend, it emerged not only that Sauber paid its staff late for February, but that technical boss Mark Smith has suddenly left the team.

Nonetheless, drivers Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson kicked off their stay in Melbourne this week with a trip to the local zoo, posing with kangaroos for the international media.

"It was fun. They are really nice and calm," Nasr, referring to the wildlife, is quoted by the German news agency DPA.

Less calm are the rumours about Sauber's future and finances, but Swede Ericsson insisted: "I have to focus only on the racing.

"I think there will be no more problems," he added.

As for Nasr, his manager Steve Robertson said it is an important season for the Brazilian.

"Felipe's second season means he now knows what to expect. He has been preparing carefully and is ready to squeeze everything right from the beginning," he told Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper.

"We only hope that they (Sauber) have a strong package."

(GMM)