Sauber C20 launch: Leaner is meaner

The regulations state that the total weight of a modern Formula 1 car including driver and fluids should not be less than 600kg. But a lighter car gives the opportunity to position ballast where it is most beneficial in the chassis, a principle the Sauber designers have tried to adhere to for the C20.

"There are fewer components in the C20 compared to the C19," said Willy Rampf, Sauber's head of vehicle engineering, "which has helped to keep the weight down and made the car easier to maintain. Reduced weight will allow us to run more ballast and to position it in a wider range of locations."

Working against the technical team at Hinwil were changes to the obligatory crash tests, requiring reinforcements to the sides of the monocoque and the rollover hoop - which has to be strong enough to theoretically withstand the weight of an entire grid of F1 cars.

The importance of aerodynamics is crucial in modern F1 and with a change in the rules for 2001, the windtunnel work for the C20 was even more extensive than usual. With a higher front wing and only three elements permitted in the upper section of the rear wing, the Sauber aerodynamic team spent 35 weeks perfecting the car's shape in a windtunnel in nearby Emmen.

"The revised technical regulations forced us to completely rethink our aerodynamic package, " said aerodynamic chief Seamus Mullarkey. "What you see on the C20 will change as the car develops further through the season. Aerodynamic research is an area of Formula 1 car design which never ceases."

This year's car also has revised exhaust exits out of the rear of the engine cover as pioneered by Ferrari two years ago. The modified outlets take hot gases away from the rear suspension and also help to clean up the air-flow to the rear wing.

Mullarkey has opted for a front wing with a lowered centre section beneath the nose cone, as already seen on the 2001 cars from both Jaguar and Jordan.

The new nose is set to become de rigeur in 2001 and exploits the fact that the centre section under the 'shadow' of the chassis is still allowed to run at 2000 height above the ground, thereby increasing its aerodynamic efficiency.

Sauber has, however, already experienced problems with a front wing failure after Nick Heidfeld hit a kerb during testing at Jerez.

Different materials have been used on the C20 in an attempt to improve reliability such as titanium and ceramics. These hi-tech materials help to reduce rolling resistance and weigh less.

The team will continue to use a supply of Ferrari customer engines in 2001, re-badged by lubricant supplier and sponsor Petronas. The engine is identical to the 049, which powered Michael Schumacher to the world title last year.