Sauber confident of a competitive Belgian Grand Prix

Sauber are confident that they can enjoy a competitive race at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, as the Formula 1 fraternity returns for the second and final half of this intriguing season. Sauber have so far finished of the podium twice this season, with Sergio Perez coming agonizingly close to victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

As Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez gear up for the 12th round of the Championship, both drivers are confident that the Ferrari-powered Sauber C31 can be competitive once the track action gets underway on Friday morning with the opening practice session. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit has become renowned for its inclement weather over the years, and this year looks set to be no different with rain already a threat for the weekend ahead.

“Spa-Francorchamps is one of my favorite circuits.” Explained Kamui Kobayashi, whose personal best finish was 8th back in 2010. “However, the weather is very unpredictable and can influence qualifying or the race significantly. Due to the length of this track, it can sometimes be that one part of it is completely dry while, at the same time, another part can be completely wet. But I’m confident we can be very competitive under all kinds of conditions in Spa because the characteristics of this track with its fast corners should suit our car. I’m really looking forward to this race.”

Sauber’s best finish of the season so far occurred during the wet/dry race in Malaysia, when Sergio Perez nearly stole victory away from the Ferrari of Fernando Alonso in the closing stages of the race. With Spa-Francorchamps a unanimous favorite amongst the drivers, Sergio Perez also believes that the 7.004km circuit will suit their car.

“Spa-Francorchamps is quite a daunting track with a great history.” Said Sergio Perez, who has yet to finish a race in Belgium. “I believe it is one of the favorites of any racing driver. I believe the fast circuit in the Ardennes will suit our car. We should get everything right there and make sure we start into a productive second part of the season.”

The Belgian Grand Prix has always been one of the most highly anticipated races of the season, with the combination of unpredictable weather and the difficult nature of the circuit producing some of the most memorable and exciting races in the history of the sport. This weekend’s race has all of the ingredients to be yet another classic, which Sauber are hoping to excel in.

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