Emphasis was placed on improved rigidity of parts, reliability and making the car more compact and lighter than in 2001.

[9] The team continued testing through January at Barcelona and later two sessions at Valencia, which was received positively despite a power unit failure and challenging weather conditions.

[12][13][14] Neel Jani got his first Formula One drive with the C22, supporting aerodynamic development at a test track near Milan, Italy in April.

Frentzen qualified 4th for the 2003 Australian Grand Prix, and would go on to finish in 6th position picking up the first 3 points of the season for Sauber.

[22] The C22 would be the final Formula One car driven by Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who retired from the sport to join Opel in DTM.

[27] Credit Suisse, who sponsored the team since 2001, continued their wing branding and announced a renewal for 2004.