Sauber have unveiled their new car, the C34, - with a radical new paint job

Sauber have unveiled their new car, the C34,- with a radical new paint job - as they aim to rebound from the worst season in their two-decade history.

Amid a fight for survival last year as the team’s search for finances reached critical levels, the Swiss team plummeted to tenth place in the Constructors’ Championship after failing to register a point for the first time.

The winter has witnessed a clear-out of the team’s 2014 driver line-up with Adrian Sutil and Esteban Gutierrez jettisoned for ex-Caterham driver Marcus Ericsson and GP2 graduate Felipe Nasr. Italian Raffaele Marciello, a young driver on the books of engine suppliers Ferrari, is the team’s new reserve driver and will drive in some Friday practice sessions.

"2014 was a very disappointing year. However, this is in the past, and we now focus on what comes next. We have learned our lessons and are confident for the new season," team principal Monisha Kaltenborn said. 

The surprise arrivals of Swede Ericsson and Brazilian Nasr have certainly unlocked much-needed funds for Sauber from the drivers’ respective countries, with Nasr’s association with Banco do Brasil thought to be worth around $24 million alone.

“I am delighted about our two new drivers who bring a breath of fresh air,” added  Kaltenborn. “Both are young, talented and highly motivated."

The decision to part with Gutierrez after two seasons, however, means that Sauber’s four-year relationship with Telmex has ended, the Mexican communications giant moving its interests to Force India and Ferrari. Japanese firm NEC has also switched its allegiances to Force India.

They are replaced by Banco do Brasil logos thanks to Nasr, with the car's new livery remarkably similar to his Carlin GP2 car from 2014.

“In my rookie season there is a lot to learn, and especially as I have not yet driven on some circuits yet," Nasr said.

"In general, I am ready to take on this challenge. In my role as test and reserve driver for Williams last year, I was involved in every race weekend. Furthermore, I also had the chance to drive the car a few times, so I think I have a certain understanding of Formula 1.

"Now I am taking the next step in being a race driver, and I am looking forward to bringing my experience from 2014 as well as to supporting the Sauber F1 Team in getting back into the points.”

Sauber’s long-standing relationship with Ferrari remains in place, however, with the Hinwil team’s car to one again be powered by the Maranello marque’s V6 turbo.

“The aim has been not only to increase the power from the turbocharged engine, but above all to optimise the car’s energy recovery and energy storage capability,” the team explained in their launch statement.

“In terms of its concept, the engine is very much comparable with last year’s, but its architecture has changed significantly, necessitating numerous adjustments to the chassis.

“The exhaust tailpipe is again positioned centrally between two pylons, though they are no longer supported by the rear crash element, but by the gearbox housing.”

The Sky Sports F1 Online team will be providing live commentary of all three winter tests, starting in Jerez on February 1, with live updates from trackside also on Sky Sports News HQ.