Sauber Aim for Step Forward with New C23

Team boss Peter Sauber says his team's target for the 2004 season is to make a step forward compared to a disappointing 2003.

"Our goal for 2004 is to clearly increase our performance," said Sauber ahead of the launch of the team's new C23 car in Austria. "How well we'll be able to do this primarily depends on how quickly we'll be able to translate the results of our wind tunnel work to the race track.

"Certainly, the presence of seven automotive manufacturers has made the competition in Formula One fiercer than ever, but we're ready to accept this challenge."

The Swiss squad finished last season in sixth position with just 19 points, but have built a state-of-the-art wind tunnel they hope will help them more forward.

Sauber will also have a new drivers line-up in Italian Giancarlo Fisichella and Brazilian Felipe Massa, who returns to the team after a year testing for Ferrari.

"Day after tomorrow, on Wednesday, I'll be able to drive the new car for the first time at Valencia," said Fisichella, who last year drove for the Jordan team. "I take the fact that this date coincides with my 31st birthday as a good omen."

22-year old Massa, who made his Formula One debut with Sauber in 2002, is confident his year at Ferrari will have improved his skills as a racing driver.

"I've learnt a lot during my year as a Ferrari test driver and am ready, now, to apply this knowledge to the race track," he said.

The actual unveiling of the C23 will take place tonight, starting at 18:30 local time.