Sauber: No regrets over saving team

Sauber, who had sold the Hinwil-based squad to BMW, stepped it to save the team after the German car maker decided to leave Formula 1 at the end of last season.

Despite its worst start to a season, Sauber is adamant he would do it again.

"At the end of November I had two choices: either take over the team or see Hinwil close its doors. The latter was not an option for me," said Sauber.

"It was always clear that it wouldn't be easy. But I'd do the same thing again!"

Sauber admitted the performance of the team has not been as strong as expected following the pre-season, and is aware that it will take time to turn things around.

"There's no doubt that we were all expecting more after winter testing," he added. "The fact is that we're lagging behind our direct rivals. James Key, our new Technical Director, has already carried out some initial analysis and set out a series of measures we need to take.

"But he's an engineer not a miracle worker, and the measures will need a certain time to take effect. Our competitors will not be standing still either, so we have to take two steps forward at a time if we're going to make up lost ground. James is currently engaged with setting out our medium and long-term development path."

And despite not having any major sponsors, Sauber insists there is enough budget to get to the end of the season.

"When I bought the team at the end of November we didn't have any sponsors or a place on the grid; I went into the project with open eyes. The car was all white. However, I couldn't have predicted that the C29 would be so far off the pace. Of course it was fanciful to think we could still recruit major sponsors for 2010 at the start of the year.

"Having said that, we are financially secure for this season. Our search for new sponsors primarily concerns 2011, although of course that doesn't mean we aren't already trying to bring new sponsors on board this year."