Sauber Unveil New Wind Tunnel

The Sauber Formula One team today presented their new, ultra-modern wind tunnel at the Hinwil headquarters to international media representatives.

The Swiss squad have invested roughly 70 million Swiss francs (US$ 55m) in the project, marking the largest ever in the company's history. The team are now at the point of systematically expanding the level of work performed in the wind tunnel.

"Aerodynamics is the primary factor affecting a modern Formula One car. Consequently, the wind tunnel is the primary tool for creating a successful racing car," said team principal Peter Sauber.

"With the top teams having made enormous progress particularly in this area in recent years, we have a lot to catch up on."

The construction of the state-of-the-art wind tunnel started in January 2002, and the technical equipment of the facility was completed last Friday. The wind tunnel features the most advanced technology currently available.

Regarding factors such as wind speeds, the size of the test section and the models, the dimensions of the "Rolling Road", and the "Model Motion System" as well as data acquisition technology, the Sauber facility will compare favourably with the existing Formula One wind tunnels.

The wind tunnel is of a closed-circuit design. The total length of the steel tube is 141 metres. A fan with a maximum power consumption of 3000 kW enables wind speeds of up to 300 km/h to be reached. The same velocity is achieved by the steel belt of the so-called Rolling Road, simulating the relative motion between the car and the road.

In order to simulate cornering or side-slip conditions up to a maximum angle of ten degrees, the entire rolling road platform can be rotated. Load cells underneath the steel belt enable constant measuring of wheel lift.

"The new wind tunnel, in terms of its overall concept, is truly unique. It visibly documents our prime objective of continually improving the competitiveness of our team and of ensuring that Hinwil remains an attractive location over the long run," Sauber added.