Marcus Ericsson says Sauber can take 'step forward'

Marcus Ericsson drove for the now defunct Caterham team in his debut Formula 1 season in 2014

Sauber's Marcus Ericsson says the team can take a "step forward" this season despite competition "becoming fiercer".

Swede Ericsson, 25, begins his second season with the team after finishing 18th in the drivers' standings last year with nine points.

"This season I'd like to see us being in contention for points and fighting on a level where speed is decisive," said Ericsson.

"I'm convinced that we're going to take a step forward."

The new Sauber car

Ericsson's Sauber team-mate is 23-year-old Brazilian Felipe Nasr.

The 2016 Formula 1 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 20 March.