Abu Dhabi GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

Preview Quotes - Sauber

Esteban Gutierrez - “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is another great event, and I will enjoy driving on this track. It will be important to find a good set-up, and this is where we need to put our focus the most on Friday. The track is quite spectacular with nice surroundings that are quite unique. One example is the hotel on top of the track. All in all, the atmosphere is special. The race starts late in the afternoon, which makes it even more interesting, and I would say the event has a bit of the same style as Singapore. It is very exciting to come back to Abu Dhabi, and I am looking forward to enjoying the race weekend there. We will keep fighting for a good result.”

Adrian Sutil - “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be the last race of the season. It is always a great event attended by many fans. The track itself is in perfect condition, it is very modern and it has some run-off areas. As the circuit has a few long straights, engine power will be crucial. On the other side, there are also hairpins and some slow speed corners. Besides that, the surroundings are also nice. We will again do our best to score points, and, especially on this weekend, we have to take the opportunity for double points. I am looking forward to an exciting weekend.”

Adderly Fong (Driving in FP1) - “I am very excited about my Formula One debut in Abu Dhabi, but also at the same time a little bit nervous. Last month I drove the Sauber C31 for the first time in Valencia, and it was good to get the mileage to be able to familiarize myself with the speed of a Formula One car. Obviously the C33 is a bit different, as it is a new generation car with a 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged engine. It will be interesting to see how the ERS and the brake-by-wire systems work. As I will have only 90 minutes in FP1, I will not have a lot of time to get used to the car. However, being able to drive during a Formula One weekend is a great privilege, and I am very happy to have the opportunity. It is good that I already know the track as at the same time here last year I did a GP3 race.”

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Brazilian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

Preview Quotes - Sauber

Esteban Gutierrez - “Interlagos is a track I always associate with Ayrton Senna. There is a lot of history behind it, and you feel the great vibes around the event. The weather is pretty special as it changes a lot, which makes it exciting. Previously, it has been the last race of the season, but this year the final round will take place in Abu Dhabi. Last year it was the first time I got to know Interlagos, and I enjoyed driving on this track. In comparison to other circuits, this is a short track; it has one very long straight, which means that engine power will be important. For the quick corners 6 and 7, which go uphill, it is crucial to have a good balance for the car. Especially in wet conditions, the track is fun to drive, and you can also go over the kerbs. It is a nice old style circuit.”

Adrian Sutil - “Interlagos is a nice track in South Amercia where my father’s roots are. It is an event which I view very warmly. Mostly the races are spectacular, which often comes from the unpredictable weather. The track is short, but packs a punch with many bumps. It is not easy to drive. It is always a great race weekend, and I am looking forward to it. I think we can hope for points there, however, it will not be easy.”

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Feature: Star Drivers Of The American GP

Amy Hawk - "My driver of the US GP weekend is Daniel Ricciardo. 

I think he's really done well at proving that he's meant to be with the Red Bull team. He has fantastic pace, works well with the team and is always focused.

He fought back from some car issues during Free Practice 1 and made it on to the podium on race day. He held back both Williams drivers to secure 3rd and I think he did a great job."

Frances Fry - "Although this driver didn't complete more than one lap of the race, my driver of the weekend has to be Sauber's Adrian Sutil. 

Throughout the entire weekend Sutil managed to get the Sauber beyond where it was expected to be. It's no secret Sauber haven't had an easy season and I think this really shows that the progress we've all been saying they've been making has really happened. 

What really tipped the scales for me was not only the fact that he qualified in 10th place but that after the start of the race he managed to hold that place! Although he didn't actually complete a lap, I must say, Adrian Sutil has really impressed me and I cannot wait to see how high he can take the Sauber in the next (and last) 2 races!"

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Feature: The Swiss Factor - Sauber F1 Team

Hailing from a small town called Hinwil, in Zurich, Switzerland - Sauber has been in Formula 1 for over 20 years. The team was founded back in the 70's by Peter Sauber, but did not make its F1 debut until the South African Grand Prix of 1993. The team managed to score 2 points in the race. 

Their first (of many) podiums was achieved in 1995 at the Italian Grand Prix by Heinz-Harald Frentzen. He finished 3rd.

Sauber has had quite an impressive run in F1 so far. They've completed a total of 382 races, achieved 27 podiums, 1 race win (Robert Kubica - 2008 Canadian GP) and 5 fastest laps. Their most recent podium was Kamui Kobayashi at the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix.

BMW played a big role when Peter Sauber stepped down and they took over in 2006. However they withdrew from F1 after the 2009 season and sold the team back to Peter.

Over the years, Sauber has had many different driver choices and some have gone on to become world champions. Some of the most notable names who drove for the Swiss team include: Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa, Robert Kubica, Sebastian Vettel, Nick Heidfeld & Sergio Perez.

The team currently has Adrian Sutil and Esteban Gutierrez as their 2014 Line-Up. Esteban from Mexico and Sutil from Germany. The young mexican rookie is no stranger to the team, having been a reserve for a few years before joining as a main driver in 2013, alongside Nico Hulkenberg, who now drives for Force India.

Monisha Kaltenborn, team principal & CEO has firm belief that Sauber can once again rise to the podium. However, this year the team was faced with many issues on their current car, the C33. Both Esteban & Adrian have had DNF's due to power & battery issues. But - with new upgrades & a few changes to the set-ups, the team is having a better last half of the season.

With just 2 races left, Sauber stands 10th in the Constructors Championship and is hoping to get their first points of the year before the season is over.

Just recently, the team announced that Marcus Ericsson, who is currently driving for Caterham F1 Team, will join Sauber for 2015. They have not yet announced their second driver, but plan to before the season is over.

No matter how their seasons have gone, they have shown courage, determination, loyalty and are always friendly with the fans. So, props to you Sauber, we're always cheering you on - Through the good and the bad. No challenge is to big. Keep pushing & keep fighting!

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American GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

Preview Quotes - Sauber

Esteban Gutierrez - "I am looking forward to the United States Grand Prix; it is a great feeling coming to Austin. For me it is a special Grand Prix, because we will have a lot of support from Mexico, as it is currently the race which is closest to my home country. I am looking forward to having great support from our fans there, which gives me extra motivation. The race weekend is always busy, and it requires a lot of energy. The track in Austin is one of my favourites, I love driving there. I like the first sector with a sequence of fast corners, which is similar to a part of the track in Silverstone. As we are still facing a lack of straight line speed, the second part of the track could be a challenge, as it has a long straight. In the last sector there are some technical, slow-speed corners. All in all, it will be crucial to have a good set-up as well as efficient aerodynamics."

Adrian Sutil - "The United States Grand Prix is a great event in a country in which motorsport is hugely important. I have only been to Austin once. It is a very interesting track that offers a bit of everything. After the first slow corner, the track has a sequence of left-right combinations which remind me of the "Esses" in Suzuka. It is a lot of fun driving there. Obviously, a high amount of downforce, as well as engine power, is needed to be fast there. During the race there are many fans, and the city of Austin is also very nice. Some of my friends from the US will come for a visit. For me it is a great event, and I am looking forward to it. We will certainly do our best to get the maximum out of our package."

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Japanese GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

Preview Quotes - Sauber:

Esteban Gutierrez - "The track in Suzuka is one of my favourites. I actually have many tracks that I like a lot, but this one is really unique. The layout of the circuit is very different to other ones, so the set-up of the car is also special. The track has many fast corners which can be challenging from an aerodynamic point of view, but there are also some medium speed ones. The first sector is simply amazing, it is a sequence of left-right corners, and it is fantastic driving through it. Also the very fast left corner, called 130R, is a very nice one. I have good memories from Suzuka, as last year, I scored my first points in Formula One there. The fan base in Japan is great, and I am impressed with how enthusiastic and passionate the people are about racing. Once we drivers arrive there, the fans make us feel special, and they appreciate what we are doing. This is a good motivation for us."

Adrian Sutil - "The Japanese Grand Prix is a nice event with many great fans at the track. For me it is a very special Grand Prix, as in the past I lived in Japan for a year. Due to the fact that I won the Japanese Formula 3 Championship in 2006, I have great memories, and it is always a special feeling to come back. The track in Suzuka is with its many fast corners one of my favourites. The first sector especially is tricky, as it has a sequence of left-right-corners which can be driven very fast. From a technical point of view, this part of the track is quite challenging, so we need to have a stable car with a lot of downforce, and a front that responds quickly while turning in. The last sector is good for overtaking due to the DRS zone. In general the track is narrower compared to the more modern ones, and the run-off areas have gravel and grass, which does not allow room for mistakes. Moreover, I believe it will be difficult to go flat out through the very fast 130R left corner due to the reduced downforce of this year's cars. All in all, I would say this track is challenging and fascinating."

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Singapore GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

Preview Quotes - Sauber

Esteban Gutierrez - "I am looking forward to the Singapore Grand Prix, as it is one of my favourite tracks. The fact that the race is hold at night brings a great atmosphere, which I really enjoy. Because of the high humidity, racing is a physical challenge there. I remember last year, not only when I was driving, but even more so when I finished the race, I noticed how much energy this climate consumed. Overall I have good memories from Singapore. In 2013 we had a good qualifying, and it was the first time I made it into Q3. In terms of track layout, I think the characteristics will suit the C33. We have been working intensely on the mechanical set-up of the car, which will be crucial on this circuit, as the track has many tight corners and only a few short straights. I am really looking forward to the weekend, and especially to getting the maximum out of the updates to the car we are having there. It is going to be an interesting race, and there is a realistic chance for a positive result."

Adrian Sutil - "Driving on the track in Singapore is good fun, and, on top of that, it is a street circuit which I personally like a lot. The circuit has relatively short straights and 23 corners, which makes it the track with the most corners on the calendar. Sheer engine power is not crucial here; rather a high mechanical grip is important because of the many tight corners. Good stability of the car as well as high downforce will be essential, as the circuit has several kerbs and is quite bumpy in some places. I think we will have the best chance for a better result there. Moreover, the night race in Singapore is always special and offers the spectators a great backdrop. I am looking forward to the Asian trip; the Singapore Grand Prix is one of the season highlights."

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Italian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

Preview Quotes - Sauber

Esteban Gutierrez - "I am looking forward to going to Monza. Due to the track layout, we need a high top speed in order to be fast on the straights. Monza's characteristics are different in comparison to the other circuits on the calendar. On one side, there are long straights, but on the other there are also two very slow chicanes on which we will use the kerbs. Therefore, the mechanical set-up of the car is crucial. From an aerodynamic point of view, it is important to have low drag, and, as a result, the downforce is much reduced. Ascari and Parabolica are my favourite corners on the track. In Monza it is not only the circuit that is special, but also the event itself. I am always excited to go there."

Adrian Sutil - "The race weekend in Monza is always a very special event due to the popularity of Formula 1 and the tifosi. It is surely one of my favourite Grands Prix, as the Italians are great fans, and they generate a nice atmosphere around the track. The circuit is the fastest on the calendar, and I am curious about the top speed on the straights with the new engines. The car needs to be stable under braking, as in the first chicane we reduce our speed from approximately 340 kph to about 60 kph, and on top of that we hit the kerbs. On the long straights a high top speed is important, which can be achieved by a very low downforce. As Pirelli has chosen the medium and hard compounds, it could be a challenge for us to bring the tyres up to temperature. After the German Grand Prix, the race weekend in Monza is another home race for the team, as the track is not far away from the Swiss border. I am looking forward to racing there, the Italian Grand Prix has a remarkable history."

Giedo Van Der Garde (Reserve) - "It is great to be back again in the cockpit on Friday morning. Particularly in Monza, there is always a special atmosphere, and the Italian people are really passionate about motorsport. I like this high speed track, and with the new engines and the special aero package we will be very quick on the straights. It is important to have a high straight-line speed, and to be fast through the chicanes. We need to find a compromise with the downforce level resulting in a high straight-line speed, but also finding the right set-up for a stable car. During the first free practice session we will test different configurations in order to find the best possible package. My favourite corner is Ascari, which is very technical and for me a perfect combination. I believe the spectators will see a lot of oversteering cars there. The track has quite high kerbs, while when you brake hard the rear is moving and the car is sliding around. It is good fun, and I look forward to driving there."

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Belgian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

Preview Quotes - Sauber

Esteban Gutierrez - "I am really looking forward to driving at Spa-Francorchamps. The event is purely about racing, and the fans are really into our sport and passionate about it. I remember that the fans arrive very early at the track in order to be as close as possible to the drivers. In comparison to other circuits, the track is quite long with some interesting corners and long straights. It is one of those tracks which is like an adventure, it goes up and downhill. One of my favourite corners is Pouhon which is very nice. As the straights are quite long, engine power is crucial, which could be a challenge for us. The weather also plays a huge role at Spa-Francorchamps, as the mixed conditions can add excitement to the race weekend."

Adrian Sutil - "As Spa-Francorchamps is my favourite track, I am really looking forward to the race weekend. The atmosphere is great as there are always many fans. With the new cars we will have more top speed and less grip, so it will be interesting to see how it will be to drive under these conditions. In Spa I expect a highlight to the season regarding this year's championship. I have always achieved good results on this track and have some nice racing memories. Regarding the set-up, there are two variations: either you are fast in sector two and relatively slow on the straights or vice versa. Both set-ups can result in the same lap time. I would rather tend to go more for top speed. Eau Rouge is one of my favourite corners, and this year it will be difficult to go flat out due to less downforce. Generally, there are several high speed corners I like in Spa. The double-lefthander (Pouhon), for example, is one of them. Every corner is nice to drive as they all have a nice flow to them."

Giedo Van Der Garde (Reserve) - "For me, Spa-Francorchamps is one of the nicest tracks in the world. As it is close to the Netherlands, it is my home circuit. I like the track a lot because it is a quick one with many medium to high speed corners. It is not easy to set-up the car there; you need to have a stable car, especially for the high speed corners. It is a technical circuit because some sectors have several consecutive corners. With this year's new Formula One cars I believe we will have more top speed on the straights, but less downforce in comparison to 2013. I think Eau Rouge and Blanchimont will still be flat out. My favorite corners are turns 5,6 and 7 after the Kemmel straight. The right-left-right combination is quite technical; you can use different lines there. Another important aspect in Spa is the weather. You never know what is going to happen, one part of the track can be wet and the other one can be dry. Last year in Q1 it was raining, and I ended up in P3, which was quite entertaining. This is what makes Spa so special."

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Hungarian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

Preview Quotes - Sauber

Esteban Gutierrez - "The Hungaroring has a different characteristic in comparison to other circuits on the calendar. It is a very interesting track, and I enjoy driving there. The circuit consists of many low and medium-speed corners. As it is quite bumpy, it will affect the mechanical set-up of the car. Due to the traditional high temperatures, it is demanding for the tyres. There is a lot of tyre degradation as the track has some corners with right-left combinations. Although this can give us some opportunities, and we can work on different strategies. I like being at the Hungaroring, so I am looking forward to going there again. The team keeps working hard, and we hope to be in a better position at the Hungarian Grand Prix."

Adrian Sutil - "The Hungarian Grand Prix is a great event with many fans who are passionate about racing. The track itself is quite short, but very challenging with many corners, and it is not easy to put a perfect lap together. You need a lot of grip as there are several slow corners. The Hungaroring is interesting, and it is definitely good to have it on the calendar. It is the second slowest track after Monaco. Our chances are difficult to predict, but I am ready for a good result and hope for a great race. Budapest is a picturesque city with a lot of history and beautiful buildings."

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German GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

Preview Quotes - Sauber

Esteban Gutierrez - "The Hockenheimring is a track that I always liked a lot. I have great memories of it as I raced there in every category during the early stages of my career. I won a GP3 race there in 2010. Hockenheim consists of a few straights, which can be a challenge for us. It is a technical track with its high-speed corners and the hairpin after the long straight. Entering the stadium is a very fast corner, and the following “Sachskurve” is a tricky one. The last two corners before the finish line are also interesting, so I think that will be the most crucial part of the track. Other than that, I like the atmosphere in Hockenheim as there are usually quite a lot of fans who give us drivers great support."

Adrian Sutil - "Hockenheim is my home race and, therefore, a special event. I am really looking forward to the weekend. However, I have not raced there since 2010. Some exciting days lie ahead of me, as I am going to meet many guests and sponsors. I like the track, and I have many memories from there. I have raced a lot in Hockenheim and I hope, also for my fans, for a good result as well as an appropriate performance from the team."

Giedo van Der Garde (Reserve) - "For me it will be the first time running in an F1 car in Hockenheim. As the track is fairly close to Holland, I hope to see some Dutch flags around the circuit. I like this track. I have raced there quite a lot in Formula 3, and my last time in Hockenheim was in 2012 for GP2. I got Pole Position, so I am looking forward to going back and to drive there for the first time with the C33."

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British GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

Preview Quotes - Sauber

Esteban Gutierrez - "With its fast corners, the track in Silverstone is nice to drive. In terms of the performance, we are quite limited at the moment. I hope the updates will help us to improve the driveability and the overall performance of the car to a certain extent. However, the weather there is tricky, which can provide some opportunities for us. We need to keep ourselves motivated and have to take any chances, as anything can happen during a race. Regarding my accommodation in Silverstone, I will be staying in a motorhome, so it will be a different but enjoyable atmosphere."

Adrian Sutil - "I like the Silverstone track. Many fast corners demand high aerodymic requirements on the car, and a good downforce in order to be fast. It will be interesting to see how we perform there. The weather can also play a major role, as it rains quite often in Silverstone. It is traditionally a nice event as there are many fans at the track and the Brits are generally enthusiastic when it comes to motorsport. Last year I had a good race that I finished in the points."

Giedo Van Der Garde (Reserve) - "The Silverstone track is a nice one. It has an interesting layout with some high speed corners. It has been a while since I was in the far. The last time was at the test in Barcelona almost two months aho. I have to get back into the game, and I am looking forward to jumping in the car again."

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