Austrian GP: Sauber preview

Sauber Petronas Austrain Grand Prix preview

Willy Rampf (Technical Director):

"The A-1 Ring is very similar to Imola, as far as the demands it places on stability under braking and traction out of the slower corners. A good mechanical set-up is therefore a fundamental requirement. You need high downforce in qualifying, but less in the race because of the long, curving drag from Turn One down to the hairpin, Remus, at Turn Two."

"Optimising top speed here can give the drivers the edge to make an overtaking move at the end of the straight just as they reach the braking area. This is where the best chance to pass exists, but the car needs to be stable when the driver gets on the brakes. Good traction is then essential to get out of the hairpin cleanly for the straight that follows. The A-1 Ring also has a low-grip surface, which makes it easier on tyres."

"In Austria, we will be able to maintain our development momentum with the Petronas C21 by introducing for the first time a new specification of the Sauber Petronas V10 engine, the Petronas 02 b."

Nick Heidfeld (38 GPs, 5 World Championship points):

"I'm looking forward to Austria. It's a low-grip track and it's the kind that suits our car. I like it a lot. I have good memories from the my best qualifying performance of last season in Austria. This time, I am looking for a good result. I hope it will be possible after the success we had recently in Barcelona."

Felipe Massa (5 GPs, 3 World Championship point):

"I'm feeling really positive after Barcelona, and I know the A1-Ring well from past testing there in my Formula Three days. I'm looking forward to another strong race."

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