Sauber eyes cash boost from upturn

Last year the Swiss marque failed to score a point for the first time in its F1 history.

But following the opening six grands prix of 2015, Sauber is leading the midfield scrap as it sits in fifth place in the constructors' championship ahead of Force India, Lotus and Toro Rosso.

Team boss Monisha Kaltenborn believes staying there could be an uphill struggle without further income.

"What I'd love to see is us stay where we are, which of course I know is going to be practically very difficult," she told AUTOSPORT.

"But we're not just going to give up and say it was a nice time and just look to the back and now defend.

"There are going to be races where we'll be more competitive, some less. A lot depends for us on our funding.

"Of course, the more we have of that the more we develop. We've shown that when we develop, it usually comes out quite right, and then we can take our steps."

Sauber's haul of 21 points has at least paved the way to negotiations taking place with potential investors.

"Our start to the season has helped," said Kaltenborn.

"A lot of good talks are going on, but it always takes a lot more than just good results.

"We saw that in 2012. You can have a lot more people calling and talking to you, but to close a deal is still very difficult.

"Hopefully the talks will lead to something and there will be more sponsors on the car in the coming races."

The encouraging results have at least helped the team's spirit, Kaltenborn added.

"It's been a very tough time for the team in so many ways, but they've remained very focused and worked very hard," she said.

"It's not been easy, but the motivation has been there, and I'm very, very glad for the team and each person in the team when we can deliver the kind of results we have.

"The team know we are making the most of what we have, and it just gives them a new impetus to fight for things."