Battered Sauber building for the future
Formula 1 competitors and car-makers claim they never look back but the team continues to be haunted by the unshakeable shadow of what might have been.
The team led both championships in 2008, when it was owned by German car company , following 's breakthrough victory in Montreal, only for their title bid to fall away following a doomed decision to immediately divert resources to the 2009 car.
They made the call with the best intentions - they felt that, realistically, they were not strong enough to battle and on level terms in 2008, and they were convinced they were going to be even stronger in 2009.
But things did not work out that way. The 2009 car was a disaster, BMW decided to quit F1, a frustrated Kubica joined and Sauber's future hung in the balance until founder and the FIA found them a vacant grid spot.
So this season is about rebuilding the team to work under more straitened circumstances, and the forthcoming Spanish Grand Prix marks another sea change.
People often ask how I came to be the Formula 1 lady for the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ website. Well, after being dragged around vintage car rallies and auto jumbles by my Dad, motor racing got under my skin. I am now a fully paid-up member of F1's travelling circus after a year on the road as part of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ team. I look forward to bringing you more on- and off-track adventures here. You can also follow me on .
