Sauber blowing in the wind

Sauber today opened a £30m (€42.5m) wind tunnel which it hopes will blow the Swiss-based team further up the Formula One grid.

The wind tunnel at Hinwil, boasting the most advanced technology currently available, is 141 metres long and enables wind speeds of around 230 miles per hour to be reached.

Sauber technicians will be able to use full-size F1 cars for their aerodynamic tests although in most cases 60% scale models will be used.

“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 chief Peter Sauber of the investment, the most expensive in the team’s history.

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

The building will also house a hospitality area to be used by the team and sponsors as well as the Sauber museum.

“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,” added Sauber.