Sauber is heading closer to safeguarding its immediate future, according to team manager Beat Zehnder.
The Swiss team has been plagued by financial difficulties this season highlighted by delays in paying staff salaries and the team missing an in-season test after car development was put on hold.
Team boss Monisha Kaltenborn has been working to secure extra funding for the operation with the search for a new investor reportedly edging closer.
Staff salaries were paid on time last month which has increased optimism that the team is beginning to push forward financially.
“Paying salaries definitely helps for the atmosphere in the team,” said Zehnder.
“Obviously there is a change in atmosphere because now everyone believes again that there is a future.
“The crucial thing so far was not to give up and I think we can be very proud of our team here on the track and at home that kept on pushing in our very limited areas.
“There was always light at the end of the tunnel. The light was always there, the tunnel was just massively long.
“The tunnel is getting shorter now.”
Zehnder also confirmed that the team will showcase its first development parts for the C35 at Silverstone and Hockenheim later this month.
Drivers Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson have struggled this season failing to score a point after eight races.
“We have some bits and pieces coming for Silverstone and then Hockenheim possibly but then the concentration is fully on 2017,” he added.
“We still have the aim to be in front of the Manors and possibly beat the Renaults but realistically, we have to concentrate, as a small team, fully for 2017.
“For the technical department, for the design office, sometimes it is quite frustrating, knowing you have things in the pipeline but you cannot bring it to the track because of financial reasons.
“But, as I say, there should be a brighter future.”