Sauber hoping for step forward with new upgrades

After a relatively disappointing Bahrain Grand Prix, Sauber are hoping their new upgrades will help propel the team forward at next weekends Spanish Grand Prix. The Swiss outfit tested their new upgrades, which consist of a new front wing, new bodywork and a new diffuser, at the Mugello test last week.

Last season, then F1 rookie Sergio Perez scored his first World Championship points after finishing 9th for Sauber. Heading into this seasons Spanish Grand Prix, and the Mexican has already had a highly competitive season, finishing a career best 2nd at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Coupled with Sauber’s new aero package, Perez is eager to get some more points in 2012.

“To me the race at the Circuit de Catalunya is one of the most special ones on the calendar.” Explained Sergio Perez, “I obviously know the circuit very well from GP2, from last year’s Formula One race and, of course, from testing. It was there where I scored my first ever F1 points last year when I finished ninth. I hope to get some points again this year. Our recent race in Bahrain was very disappointing, so I really hope our new aero package will work well in Barcelona.”

With some teams questioning the wisdom of the Mugello test, with the opening day a complete washout after torrential rain struck the circuit, Sauber have taken many positives from the three days of testing and are hopeful their upgrades have a positive affect in Spain.

“The Barcelona track is very complete. It has all kinds of features - low speed, medium speed and high speed corners as well as changes of direction.” Said Giampaolo Dall’Ara, Sauber’s Head of Track Engineering. “We tested a major upgrade to the car in Mugello, consisting of a new front wing and new bodywork, including a different exhaust exit and a new diffuser. The results of the test were encouraging. However, all the teams had some upgrades, and only the next race weekend will give us confirmation whether we are able to strengthen our position compared to our competitors. Nevertheless I’m confident that we can have a strong performance in Barcelona.”

Sauber’s highest ever finishing position at the Spanish Grand Prix was 4th at both the 1996 and 2002 Spanish Grands Prix, when Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Nick Heidfeld raced for the Swiss team respectively. Sauber have already finished higher than that in 2012, and in such an unpredictable season will undoubtably be gunning for another podium finish.

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