The C24 was driven by Jacques Villeneuve and Felipe Massa, the first time Sauber had a non-European driver lineup.

A C24B variant of the car fitted with BMW's P86 V8 Formula One engine was used in early testing between the 2005 and 2006 seasons in the hands of Nick Heidfeld and Jacques Villeneuve.

On 28 November-2 December 2005, Heidfeld attended off-season testing at Barcelona in a C24B car using Michelin tyres.

On 7–17 December 2005, Heidfeld and Villeneuve attended off season testing at Circuito de Jerez with the same car.

Just before the launch of BMW Sauber F1.06, Heidfeld attended off-season testing with C24B car in the full white interim livery on 10–13 January 2006.