Formula 1

Australian GP: Sauber preview

Willy Rampf (Technical Director): "The Albert Park circuit in Melbourne has always suited our cars. It is fast and flowing and requires a reasonable level of downforce, together with accurate turn-in and good traction. It has a good variety of fast ...

Edited: Apr 15, 2002, 11:45 PM

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Willy Rampf (Technical Director): "The Albert Park circuit in Melbourne has always suited our cars. It is fast and flowing and requires a reasonable level of downforce, together with accurate turn-in and good traction. It has a good variety of fast and medium-speed corners, but is also hard on brakes.

The high ambient temperature can also be a problem if you haven't done your cooling homework properly.

"We are confident that the new Sauber Petronas C21 will go well at the venue, and our winter test programme has shown not only that the car is an improvement on last year's successful C20, but also that it is fast, reliable and handles well. We are as well prepared as we possibly can be for this very important first race of the new season. After this weekend, everyone will have a much more accurate idea of where they all stand in relation to one another, and we are confident that we will again be very competitive."

Nick Heidfeld (33 GPs): "Last season we had a very good start to the year in Melbourne. I like the Albert Park circuit very much, and the new Sauber Petronas C21 is the best Formula One car I have ever driven. We had a great overall result in 2001, and from the test work we have done with the new car during the winter I am confident that we have taken a significant step further forward and will have a very good chance of defending our fourth position in the World Championship for Constructors in 2002. I am really looking forward to this race."

Felipe Massa (0 GPs): "At last my Grand Prix debut has arrived. I have looked forward to this moment for so long, and I have to thank everyone at Sauber Petronas for helping me to acclimatise to driving a Formula One car and for all the test mileage that has enabled me to prepare for this moment. I am looking forward to the opportunity to justify the faith that Peter Sauber and is team have placed in me."

-sauber-

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