Sauber targets Spain for Red Bull-like exhaust debut

Sauber has earmarked May’s Spanish grand prix for the introduction of a Red Bull-style exhaust layout.

"We will have the new exhaust system in Barcelona," confirmed team boss Peter Sauber to Blick newspaper.

Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport said Kamui Kobayashi will test the system, tipped to add at least five tenths per lap to the pace of the C30 car, on Friday at Istanbul.

"It will not come to the car until it has been properly tested," Sauber confirmed.

Teams are cautious about blown-exhaust upgrades, with the latest lesson taught by struggling Williams in China, when its Red Bull-style system burned holes through the floor of Rubens Barrichello’s FW33 in practice.

Like Sauber, the British team will attempt to run the exhaust again in Spain.

"Let’s wait until Spain before we rejoice," insisted Sauber, "although until now, every innovation has brought us a step forward."