Belgian GP Sauber Friday notes

Spa-Francorchamps, Friday 31 August 2001
Weather: Dry initially, then wet, then drying.

Kimi Räikkönen and Nick Heidfeld finished in sixth and 14th places respectively after today's first free practice sessions for the Belgian Grand Prix.

Nick Heidfeld
"This morning I was reasonably happy with the way things were going, but later when I went out for my warm-up lap it began to rain so I came straight in. I was able then to try the Bridgestone wets and the intermediates, and the car felt good on each type of tyre as the conditions changed every lap. It is important that we had this opportunity today, and our times were quick, though I had some traffic on my quickest wet lap. The car is giving good feelings again, though there are a few small things we need to change to improve it further tomorrow."

Kimi Räikkönen
"The last time I was here was in a Formula Renault, and it got a bit boring when it ran out of power. In an F1 car this is a much more enjoyable circuit, certainly one of the best on the calendar. "I didn't get to run both types of dry weather tyres before it rained, but the car felt good this morning on a dry track and again this afternoon in the wet, so I'm encouraged."

Peter Sauber
"Today gave us a valuable chance to try the C20 in race trim on dry tyres and later on wet and intermediate rubber. We were quick in all track conditions, so I am satisfied with what we have achieved here so far."

-Sauber