Sauber Confirms Giovinazzi

SAUBER CONFIRMS ANTONIO GIOVINAZZI FOR 2019

    Antonio Giovinazzi will run alongside Kimi Raikkonen at Sauber for the 2019 Formula 1 championship, the team has confirmed.

    The current Ferrari third driver will make the step up to a full time seat after making a handful of appearances for the team last year.

    Giovinazzi made his F1 debut as a replacement for the injured Pascal Wehrlein in 2017. He took a 12th place finish in the opening race of the season before retiring in Bahrain.

    Since then he’s run in free practice one for Haas and Sauber, and competed in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans with AF Corse.

    “This is a dream come true and it is a great pleasure to have the chance to race for this team,” said Giovinazzi.

    “As an Italian, it is a huge honour for me to represent a brand as iconic and successful as Afa Romeo in our sport.

    I would like to thank the Scuderia Ferrari and the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team for giving me this great opportunity. I am very motivated and cannot wait to start working towards achieving great results together.”

    Giovinazzi has enjoyed a strong junior career up until this point. He finished second in the 2015 European Formula 3 championship, behind Felix Rosenqvist, and on the Masters of Formula 3 race the same year. From there he progressed to GP2, where he again finished second, this time behind Red Bull backed Pierre Gasly.

    Despite having now spent two years without a full time seat, Sauber team boss Frederic Vasseur is confident Giovinazzi will continue his success next season.

    “Together with Alfa Romeo, we are delighted to welcome Antonio Giovinazzi, who will take the place of Charles Leclerc,” he said.

    “We have already had the opportunity to work with him in the past and he has proven to have great potential. We are very determined and motivated. Our target is to continue progressing and fighting together for positions that count.”

    He added that Kimi Raikkonen, who has already been confirmed, will be crucial to helping develop the team.

    Marcus Ericsson, who has raced with Sauber since 2015, will continue as a reserve driver for the team.

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Australian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - ALFA ROMEO SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson - “We are ready and looking forward to the first Grand Prix. It is always exciting to kick off the season in such a fantastic location, and on a track that is fun to drive. I am looking forward to seeing our new car on track for the full race weekend for the first time.

    Winter testing was useful in terms of gaining a general understanding of the car’s behaviour and potential. Now, we are moving to the next step when we will start to understand where we are in relation to our competitors. I look forward to it all and can’t wait to be back on track in Albert Park.”

Charles Leclerc - “The first race of a season is always exciting for a driver, but this being the first Formula 1 Grand Prix of my career makes the occasion even more special. Driving on the circuit in Albert Park will be a new experience for me, and I look forward to the challenge. With it being the opening race of the season, you can really feel the excitement and energy there.

    Over the past weeks, I have got to know the team well, learned all of the relevant procedures, and was able to get a first impression of the new C37 during winter testing. I am eager to now spend a full race weekend in the car and work with the team to understand how we can maximize our potential."

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Sauber Unveil 2018 Car

(Image credit to: Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team)

    Sauber Formula 1 team has opted for a new aerodynamic concept as it aims to be competitive in the 2018 Formula 1 championship.

    The team has lagged behind the rest of the field in recent years but, with the new C37, Sauber believes it will able to fight for position this season.

    Drivers Marcus Ericsson and Charles Leclerc will also have the 2018 Ferrari power unit behind them, which technical director Jorg Zander believes will help drive improvements this season.

    “The 2018 challenger is the result of the hard work that everyone in the factory has put in over the last few months,” he said.

    "Speaking about the C37, the car philosophy is much different to that of the C36. The aerodynamic concept has changed significantly, and the C37 has seveneral new features in comparison to its predecessor.

    We are positive that the new concept offers us more opportunities and will help us to make improvements during the course of the season.

    The 2018 Ferrari engine will also give us a boost in terms of performances. We hope that we will make progress with the C37 and that we are more competitive compared to 2017.”

    The launch of the C37 also signals the return of the Alfa Romeo brand to F1. The Italian car manufacturer, a sister brand of Ferrari, will partner Sauber for the 2018 season. It’s logo features on the engine cover, with the red and white livery symbolic of what Sauber hopes will be a new era for the team.

    "Our target ahead of 2018 is clear: we have to catch up with the field and continue improving our performance during the course of the season,” said team principal Frederic Vasseur.

    "We have put lots of energy and commitment into the development of the C37. I want to thank our partners and fans for their continuous support. The return of Alfa Romeo to Formula 1 sets another milestone in the team’s history, and I am proud that such a historic brand has chosen us for their return to the sport. We are eager to start the 2018 season as the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team.”

    Vasseur also defended the teams’ choice in driver line-up. While the squad is bringing young talent into the championship in the form of Leclerc, many fans have criticized Sauber for retaining Ericsson, who hasn’t scored in F1 since 2015. Vasseur highlighted Ericsson’s importance to the team.

    “I am convinced that Marcus and Charles form the perfect driver line-up, with one being an experienced driver and one a promising rookie.

    Marcus is going into his fourth season with us. He is a valuable part of the team, and we benefit from his experience and precise technical feedback.

    As for Charles, he has proven his talent in prior categories and deserves to be on the Formula 1 grid this season.”

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Alfa Romeo Partners With Sauber

ALFA ROMEO RETURNS TO F1 WITH SAUBER

    Sauber have officially partnered with Alfa Romeo in a long-term, multi-year agreement. They will now be known in F1 as the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team from 2018 onward.

    The Italian car manufacturer, founded in Milan back in 1910, has not been in Formula 1 since back in 1985.

    Their return is not only going to bring a new look for the Swiss team, but also the potential for a stronger success as well as the potential for more points and the possibility of their drivers finishing on the podium, something Sauber has not seen since 2012, when Sergio Perez drove alongside Kamui Kobayashi.

    Sauber only scored 5 points during the 2017, all of which were achieved by Pascal Wehrlein, who will not be returning with the team in 2018. Marcus Ericsson, however, will stay put and is partnered with new team-mate and recent 2017 Formula 2 Champion, Charles Leclerc.

    Alfa Romeo has achieved many great things in motorsport over the years and have not only been in Formula 1 but Formula 3 and Indycar as well, so their return is much anticipated and clearly welcomed by fans and the motorsport community.

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Sauber Confirm 2018 Line-Up

(Image Credit: Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team)

SAUBER CONFIRMS THEIR 2018 DRIVER LINE-UP & REVEAL CONCEPT LIVERY

    Sauber have confirmed their 2018 driver line-up after many rumours and much speculation about if both seats would need to be filled or if one of Sauber's 2017 drivers would stay put.
    
    In the end, Sauber chose to keep long-time driver, Marcus Ericsson, and bring in GP3 (2016) and F2 (2017) Champion, Charles Leclerc. The young talent from Monaco, has proven himself over the last few years and brought race-goers to their feet with his risky, yet precise and accomplished overtaking skills.

    Leclerc recently drove for Sauber in the post-Abu Dhabi GP test and also completed multiple Free Practice sessions during the 2017 season. 

    Sauber finished the 2017 Constructors Championship in 11th, but a new and recent partnership with Alfa Romeo may change things around for the Swiss team. The team also revealed their concept livery, although it won't be confirmed what their 2018 car will actually look like, the concept gives a good idea of what it could be. 

    The car displays a nearly all-white paint scheme, with a huge splash of pearlescent red along the top, where the Alfa Romeo logo has been placed.

    Along with the new concept livery and driver pairing, the team also signed Antonio Giovinazzi as their 2018 reserve driver.

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Kaltenborn Departs From Sauber

MONISHA KALTENBORN LEAVES SAUBER F1 TEAM

    Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn has parted ways with the team.

    Kaltenborn, who has worked for Sauber since the 1990s, was promoted to team principal in 2012 when Peter Sauber retired. Over the past five years, she has led the team through financial difficulties.

    Swiss finance company, Longbow Finance, brought Sauber last July, securing the team’s future. It’s with this new owner than Kaltenborn is understood to have disagreed with over the future direction of the team.

    The Chairman of the Sauber holding board, Pascal Picci, said the following: “Longbow Finance SA regrets to announce that, by mutual consent and due to diverging views of the future of the company, Monisha Kaltenborn will leave her positions with the Sauber Group effective immediately. We thank her for many years of strong leadership, great passion for the Sauber F1 Team and wish her the very best for the future. Her successor will be announced shortly; in the meantime we wish the team the best of luck in Azerbaijan.”

    Sauber is expected to announce Kaltenborn’s replacement soon.

    The team is currently ninth in the constructors’ championship with four points.

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Bahrain GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson - “Thinking about Bahrain, I am eager for the first night race of the season. The track, as well as the surroundings, have a special vibe under the floodlights. It is a spectacular race weekend that I enjoy a lot. Overall the circuit is technical and driving-wise not an easy one, but I always looking forward to racing there.”

Pascal Wehrlein - “For me the most important is that I can train intensively to ensure a 100 percent performance from my side as soon as possible. I will then be well-prepared for my first complete Grand Prix weekend for the Sauber F1 Team. Hopefully this can be in Bahrain but, if not, then we will take the time it needs until Russia to make sure I am completely ready.”

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Australian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson - "I like Melbourne a lot as it is a fantastic place. The fans and the atmosphere there are just great – I always enjoy being downtown in Melbourne and on the circuit at Albert Park. I can't wait to finally kick off the 2017 Formula One season in Australia. After challenging pre-season testing with a lot of data collection and preparation, I am going to Melbourne with a positive mindset. Now we have to see how things work out during the first race weekend with the new car. The Albert Park circuit is a bit tricky with a mix of permanent race track and a street circuit. In general I think it is going to be a challenge to find the right set-up, but I am confident we will get this done."

Pascal Wehrlein - "The Australian Grand Prix will be very special for me and also for the Sauber F1 Team. It is the beginning of my new role as a Formula One race driver in the Swiss team, and I am sure when those five lights go out it will be a unique moment on the race day. During the second week of pre-season testing I had productive days, where I was able to get quite familiar with the Sauber C36-Ferrari procedures. After intense physical preparations in the last few weeks I am excited about going to Melbourne, and I feel ready and well-prepared for the challenging season opener. It looks promising at the moment for me, but we never know until we get to Melbourne. I have full trust in our teamwork."

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Sauber Reveals 2017 Car

SAUBER REVEALS C36

    Sauber are taking a “new approach” in this their 25th season competing in Formula One.

    With new finances and new regulations, the team is hoping to establish themselves as solid midfield runners this year, after narrowly avoiding finishing last in the constructors’ championship last season.

    “We clearly have to improve,” said team principal Monisha Kaltenborn. “With the Sauber C36-Ferrari we have a solid basis as well as the resources to further develop with Sauber C36-Ferrari through the season. This will be important to establish in mid-field.”

    A key player in achieving that ambition will be Jorg Zander, Sauber’s new technical director. The team redesigned the car to fit with the new 2017 regulations and, though he believes Sauber will be at a disadvantage due compared to the bigger teams, he hopes the team will have found the best result possible.

    “Basically, big teams also have an advantage when it comes to major changes in the regulations,” he said. “But when the cards are reshuffled new opportunities always present themselves as well. The Sauber C36-Ferrari is wider and lower, with wider tyres making the car look more muscular than last year’s model."

    “Practically just by looking at it, one can tell the speed the new car has increased as a result of more downforce and shorter braking distance – measuring against lap time, not top speed – it is written all over the face.”

    As well as being wider, with bigger tyres, the radiator, sidepods, and bodywork are designed to be as slim as possible, in an attempt to keep both downforce and stability.

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Wehrlein To Miss First Pre-Season Test

WEHRLEIN INJURED, WILL SIT OUT FIRST PRE-SEASON TEST

    Sauber’s Pascal Wehrlein will sit out of the first preseason test on medical grounds.

    

    The German suffered a back injury during a crash with Felipe Massa during the Race of Champions last month.

    

    Sauber commented on initial rumours that Wehrlein would miss the test by saying he was still undergoing medical examinations, but he later confirmed on twitter he would be missing the test.

     

    It’s understood Sauber may have come to a deal with Ferrari to allow Antonio Giovinazzi to run alongside Marcus Ericsson in the test, but the team are yet to confirm. Giovinazzi drove a Formula One car for this first time this month when he ran Ferrari’s 2015 challenger at the Fiorano test track.

    

    Testing begins on the 27th of February. 

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Sauber Confirms Wehrlein For 2017

WEHRLEIN CONFIRMED AT SAUBER FOR 2017 SEASON

    Pascal Wehrlein faces a new challenge this season as he switches to Sauber for his second year in Formula One.

    The German moves away from Mercedes run Manor, after missing out on the seat at Force India at the end of last year.

    Monisha Kaltenborn, team principal at Sauber, says Wehrlein showed potential throughout his junior career, including second in the Euro F3 series and a win in the DTM in 2015.

    “Pascal has shown his talent throughout his career, in single seater racing as well as in the DTM,” said Kaltenborn. “Last year, in his rookie Formula One season, he proved his potential by scoring one point in the Austrian GP in Spielberg. There is surely more to come from Pascal, and we want to give him the chance to further grow and learn at the pinnacle of motorsport.”

    Wehrlein will partner Marcus Ericsson, who continues at the team for a third consecutive year. Kaltenborn believes the pair will work well together.

    Working with Ericsson, who has scored nine points in his three years in F1, may allow Wehrlein to develop and learn, but it’s a far shout from the Mercedes seat he almost seemed destined for. The German described the upcoming year as a “challenge”.

    “It’s a new challenge in a new team, and I am really excited and looking forward to this new adventure,” he said. “Our objective is to establish ourselves in the mid-field and to score points on a regular basis.

    “That being said, I will do my best to support Sauber. Now I am looking forward to meeting everyone in the team and to tackling the preparations for the 2017 season.”

    Wehrlein also thanked Mercedes for their support.

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Ericsson Confirmed At Sauber For 2017

ERICSSON TO REMAIN AT SAUBER IN 2017

    Marcus Ericsson is set to continue for a third year at Sauber F1 team, having signed an extension of his contract. Sauber are yet to sign their second driver, but they’re expected to also keep Brazilian Felipe Nasr for a third season.

    Since gaining a new ownership back in July, Sauber have been in a significantly better financial state, but were still looking for drivers with financial backing for next season. Coupling that with his experience, Ericsson was deemed the perfect fit by the team.

    “During the current season Marcus has again showed he is willing to go that extra mile in order to make progress,” Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn said. “He went through very difficult times with us, but managed those very well… He is not only a good driver, but also an important team player who understand how to work with the team and how to motivate everyone with his positive attitude.”

    Ericsson says he is happy to be staying with the team, and believes Sauber will be improving over the coming years. Having only just scored their first point of the season at the last round in Brazil, improvements are a must if they want to be competitive next season.

    “I have developed a lot as a driver during my time at Sauber,” Ericsson said. “We have had ups and downs, but we always stick together and work as hard as we can. Since the new ownership, there has been a positive push in the team, so it will also be exciting to go into this new era. Many motorsports experts are becoming part of Sauber, which is a good sign for the future.”

    The Swede’s aim for next season is regular points finishes and a midfield fight. Given that Ericsson is yet to score this season, regular points might be a high aim.

    There are now only three seats to be announced: The remaining Sauber seat and the 2 seats at Manor, which are likely to go to Wehrlein and Gutierrez while Nasr remains at Sauber with Ericsson.

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Mexican GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson - “I remember the atmosphere at the track and especially driving through the section from Turn 12 to Turn 16, which made us feel like we were in a football stadium. The Mexicans gave us a warm welcome last season, and I am sure they will do so this year as well. Looking back to the previous race weekends, we clearly made steps in the right direction, but we still need to find more pace in order to fight for points.”

Felipe Nasr - “At the Mexican Grand Prix it was great to see the grandstands full of people in 2015. The atmosphere at the circuit and in Mexico City was just excellent, so I am pleased to return this year. I am confident that we are keeping working to improve the Sauber C35-Ferrari, in order to make further steps to be more competitive.”

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Belgian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson - “Looking back to last year’s Belgian and Italian Grands Prix, my memories are not too bad. I was able to score points by finishing both races in the top ten - in tenth and ninth. I remember we had a decent pace in both races last year, and I hope we can achieve similar results this time as well. In comparison to other circuits, the track at Spa is quite long with some interesting corners and passages - Eau Rouge, Blanchimont, Pouhon and so on. Engine power is the crucial factor - as it also is in Monza. On this circuit, which is the fastest on the calendar, we need to find a compromise with the down force level giving us a high straight-line speed, but also finding the right set-up for a stable and fast car through the chicanes. There is always a thrilling atmosphere in the Autodromo, and the Italians are really passionate about motorsport.”

Felipe Nasr - “Spa-Francorchamps is the opener of the second part of the season - and my favourite circuit on the calendar. The track is unique, having a lot of high-speed corners and a great corner combination. As a driver you get a nice flow going - up and down - through these corner combinations. From the technical side, the combination of low down force and traction is essential to be competitive. At Monza we also need to find an efficient balance for being fast on the straights and not losing too much time in the corners. The flow is really nice too, with Parabolica being my favourite corner. Monza is an historic and unique circuit for me. I know the circuit well from every series I have come through. It reminds me a lot of the time when I moved to Italy in 2009 as a young racing driver. Back then I lived very close to Monza.”

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New Ownership For Sauber

SAUBER SECURES FUTURE WITH NEW OWNERSHIP

    Swiss company Longbow Finance has taken ownership of the Sauber group in a move that they hope will secure the team’s future in Formula One.

    President of the board of directors, Peter Sauber will retire from all functions, and is succeeded as by Pascal Picci, the president and CEO of Longbow Finance.

    “As a Swiss company, we are pleased with having secured the future of a Swiss presence in a highly specialised and innovative industry,” Picci said.

    Sauber have been struggling with money problems for years, and the results have reflected that struggle. The team is yet to score a point this season, and finished eighth last year.

    Longbow Finance plan to not only keep the team afloat, but to “create the basis for a competitive and successful future” of the team.

    There will be a change behind the scenes to try and bring in the results, though both the name and team principal, Monisha Kaltenborn, will remain the same.

    Kaltenborn is optimistic about the deal.

    “We are convinced that Longbow Finance S.A is the perfect partner to again make the team competitive and successful in Formula One,” she said. “At the same time, the new structure will allow us to finally further expand our third party business in which we commercialise our know-how.”

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Monaco GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson - “Racing in Monte Carlo has a long tradition which makes it to one of the most remarkable races in the Formula One season. The track is a lot of fun to drive, but very challenging at the same time. Every little mistake can mean ending up in the barriers. It is all about very precise driving and having the confidence in the car to use every centimetre of the track. I cannot wait to race in Monte Carlo. I really enjoy the atmosphere around the circuit, which also makes it one of the highlights of the season.”

Felipe Nasr - “The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the best races on the calendar. The track on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo is a real challenge – for us drivers as well as for the car. There is a fine line between driving the perfect lap and pushing the car to the limit. I really like racing there as the atmosphere is also very special. Last year I had a great race during which I was able to score points by finishing in P9. I hope that we can have a positive weekend this year as well.”

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Sauber Launches 2016 Car

Reduced weight, power unit architecture changes, and a different aerodynamic philosophy are all on the Sauber C35-Ferrari, Sauber’s answer to the 2016 competition. The familiar blue and yellow livery will be back, along with the familiar driver line up of Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr.

With not much wriggle room in the regulations, the team is focusing on solidifying their position in the mid-field this year, after a tough end of the season left them eighth in the championship last year.

“Obviously there’s a certain position we’d like to achieve,” said Team Principal Monisha Kaltenbourn. “But, to start with, it’s important to become established in mid-field. Only then are we going to focus on individual positions.”

Sauber have spent the winter break making improvements on the car but, as always, it’s difficult to know what to expect for the season ahead, as Nasr explained.

“It’s difficult for me to predict how the positions behind the tops teams are going to pan out this season – and where we’ll be able to line up in that part of the field. We’re going to put innovations on the grid, but so are our competitors, and their efficiency remains to be seen. It’s hardly possibel to make any predictions under these circumstances.”

The new car was revealed at the second pre-season test at the Circuit De Catalunya. The car will feature a tighter packaging around the power unit and gear box, both provided by Ferrari, and a higher cockpit to protect the drivers.

“I’m convinced that, with the new car, we’re going to take a step forward so that we can finish in the points with greater consistency and under our own steam,” said Ericsson.

“This season I’d like to see us being in contention for points and fighting on a level where speed is decisive.”

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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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