Australian GP: Sauber race notes

Team Sauber Petronas driver Giancarlo Fisichella finished 10th in today's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the opening round of the 2004 FIA Formula One World Championship. Felipe Massa was forced to retire on lap 45.

Giancarlo Fisichella:

"I'm disappointed because we had an opportunity to do well today. I lost a lot of time early in the race behind Heidfeld, who was driving very defensively, and I knew I was much quicker. Once I got by I was immediately able to prove this. The balance of the car was really good and my lap times were very encouraging for the future."

Felipe Massa:

"I had a great fight early in the race with Kimi, and at one stage I was so close behind him that I couldn't even see the brake marker boards. When I saw him brake I just braked a little later and managed to overtake him."

"My car was pretty good early on but then it picked up some understeer, which made it difficult to drive. That's what caused my spin in Turn Five on lap 19. I understeered wide and caught the kerb, but fortunately I didn't hit anything. I was heading for a finish when I was forced to retire due to an engine problem."

Peter Sauber (Team Principal):

"Giancarlo's race was already compromised after he qualified only 14th, because he got stuck behind slower cars after the start. He also lost time with a slow puncture, which is why he made a pit stop earlier than scheduled. When he was on clear track, however, he showed the potential of the C23, which is encouraging for the upcoming races. Felipe had a great fight with Kimi and was able to overtake him, but unfortunately he was unable to finish because of an engine problem."

Driver (Chassis)
Fisichella (C23-02): 10th
Massa (C23-03): retired on lap 45
Spare (C23-01)

-sauber-