Same-spec Ferrari engine a "big leap" for Sauber

The Swede has seen computer renderings of Sauber's new C37 and is full of excitement about the progress that can be expected – thanks to moving to a current Ferrari engine plus the team's closer ties to Maranello.

"I think it's a big leap to have the same engine as the Cavallino," Ericsson told Motorsport.com during an event with Formula Medicine this week.

"The team have a lot of confidence and a desire to do well. I got to see the car in a computer rendering and it seems very beautiful – it should be an important step forward.

"Alfa Romeo's partnership means the return of an historic brand to F1. It is one more reason to believe that Ferrari will give us maximum support to grow. I'm confident."

Sauber finished last in the constructors' championship in 2017, but its plight was not helped by it using a year-old Ferrari customer power unit.

For the season ahead, Ericsson believes Sauber's main opposition will be Haas and Toro Rosso, and thinks some occasional giant-killing performances are possible.

"We're up against Haas and Toro Rosso," he said. "I think next season will be very unpredictable in some races.

"It could go very well and at points we could also challenge Renault and Force India. But there will be other races where there will be problems and we will be further down.

"The goal is simply to get into the group of teams that are in the midfield – but it is clear that there will be a very open battle grand prix after grand prix.

"I want to be in the best shape possible to find the satisfaction that was missing in 2017."