Sauber C12

The Sauber C12 was the car with which the Sauber Formula One team made its FIA Formula One World Championship debut in 1993 [Formula One season|1993]. Its design was led by Leo Ress.

Overview

Engine

Power was provided by a Sauber-branded 3.5-litre V10 built by Ilmor in partnership with Mercedes. The C12 was given the prominence of "Concept by Mercedes-Benz" stickers on the engine cowling due to the two parties' close relationship from their World Sportscar Championship program. The engines were re-branded in 1994 to reflect the partnership.

Drivers

was re-united with his former WSC team in preparation for its Grand Prix debut. He already had two seasons of Formula One experience, having made his debut in the 1991 Japanese [Grand Prix] with Leyton [House Racing|Leyton House], while JJ Lehto had started 38 Grands Prix between 1989 and 1992.

Racing history

Lehto contributed to a promising start with a 5th-place finish in the 1993 [South African Grand Prix|South African GP] at Kyalami and improved on that with a 4th place classification at Imola, home of the 1993 [San Marino Grand Prix|San Marino GP], despite an engine problem.
The C12 had a somewhat mixed record with a total of 12 DNFs due to mechanical failure, including seven engine failures. Driver-related incidents accounted for six more DNFs.
The C12 achieved six points finishes and eight non-scoring finishes from 32 starts. It achieved a points total of 12 and 7th place in the Constructors' World Championship standings.
It was replaced at the start of the season by the Sauber C13.