F1: Sauber also asked for cash advance

Sauber followed Force India in asking Bernie Ecclestone for an advance on its Formula 1 championship payments to prevent its rival gaining a competitive advantage, according to Monisha Kaltenborn.

Force India made its request, which is believed to have been accepted, in October with Sauber and Manor following suit when they were made aware of it. The requests require unanimous consent from the other teams before Ecclestone can facilitate them.

"We saw some of our competitors had done that and that can give you a direct competitive advantage," Sauber team boss Kaltenborn said. "So we felt that when our competitors had done it, it would definitely make our life easier, so that's why we did it. If you can make your liquidity easier, of course it helps the company. We are not in a position where you can say it doesn't matter at all."

Teams receive payments from Formula One Management on a monthly basis based on their historic status and their constructors' championship position from the previous season. These are paid from February through to November, leaving a cash shortfall for December and January when key production takes place.

"We're approaching a time which is very cost-intensive and where there is no income coming from FOM, which is a major source of income for teams," added Kaltenborn.

When asked if she was confident Sauber would have its request accepted, she said: "I don't see why anybody would be against it considering other teams have got it. It would not be a nice thing among teams if suddenly one team says no for no reason."

Originally on Autosport.com