Sauber pins hopes on lightweight F1 car for Spanish GP

The Swiss team struggled to hit this year's minimum weight limit with its C33 design and has been well off the pace in the early races.

But the Hinwil-based team has worked extensively on reducing the car's weight since last month's Chinese GP.

Sauber will also introduce a 'major aerodynamic update' for next week's Barcelona race in its bid to get back on terms with the tight midfield pack.

The update includes a modified front wing, a new engine cover, and new sidepod fins and deflectors, according to the team's head of track engineering Giampaolo Dall'Ara.

Sauber will also receive a software update for its customer Ferrari power units.

"We very much look forward to converting our efforts into improved lap times," Dall'Ara said.

"However, we know that all the other teams are progressing as well, so it will be interesting to see where we stand.

"We will certainly do our best in order to race for points."

The team will stay on in Barcelona for the post-race test on May 13-14, where its test and reserve driver Giedo van der Garde will share driving duties with Esteban Gutierrez.

The Dutchman will drive on day one before handing the car over to Gutierrez.