Sauber launches C20.

Although the car has been seen in public for almost two weeks, Sauber today became the third team to officially unveil its 2001 challenger.

The C20 was launched at another 'at home' ceremony conducted at Sauber's Hinwil factory near Zurich, and followed a trend set by both Jaguar and Jordan in recent weeks, and set to be copied by Williams this coming Saturday.

The team claims that the new car, penned by Sergio Rinland, is lighter than previous offerings, and should allow drivers Nick Heidfeld and Kimi Raikkonen to challenge for points on a more regular basis that their predecessors were allowed. Greater amounts of carbon-fibre incorporated into the chassis have enabled it to lose weight despite the FIA requirement for stronger crash structures, while the design team claims that fewer parts have also been used.

"Reduced weight will allow us to run more ballast and position it in more locations," commented technical director Willy Rampf at the launch.

The team continues to use the Ferrari engines it has campaigned for several seasons, and also retains the use of Bridgestone tyres in common with its Italian partner. Design changes to the C20, however, mark the arrival of newer Ferrari units, as used by the champion team last season.

The exhausts now exit from the top of the engine cover, rather than at the back of the car, following an increasing trend among F1 teams. The car also features a front wing similar to that shown on the Jordan at last week's launch, with the centre section dipping down in an attempt to circumvent new rules raising the general height of the wing. General aerodynamics have also been improved thanks to long spells in the wind tunnel at nearby Emmen.

Initial tests with the car have already proved it to be both quick and reliable, with the only reported problems being driver-induced rather than mechanical. According to team boss Peter Sauber, it was important to hit the road early on to avoid the pit-falls many of the late launchers may face.

"The C20 has shown its potential in the roll-out at Fiorano and testing at Jerez," he said, "It was ready in good time to accumulate good mileage before the season, and we are convinced that it will be both competitive and reliable."

The car was displayed in the familiar blue and turquoise livery of recent seasons, and continued to sport backing from energy drink Red Bull and fuel company Petronas. The two long-standing sponsors were joined, however, by new partner Credit Suisse, resulting in a band of white across the nose and front wing of the new car.