Belgian GP Sauber race notes

Mika Salo and Pedro Diniz finished 9th and 11th respectively in the Foster`s Belgian Grand Prix. Pedro Diniz:
Our decision to start the race on grooved tyres was a good one, but unfortunately the track was just a little too damp in the opening laps. After that I was able to get going strongly, although the nose was damaged in the early traffic. It`s always going to be difficult when you start so far back, but I had a good race.

Mika Salo:
I think our result was as good as we could have expected. With few of the leading cars dropping out it was always going to be tough to score points here. I don`t think it would have made much difference to have started 10th or 18th, except to make life a little easier for me! The C19 was quick all race and we had very good strategy. I just don`t understand why we struggled so much in practice and qualifying, especially as I was flat through Eau Rouge every lap, even with full tanks!

Willy Rampf:
We had two different strategies. It was a team decision to start Pedro on grooved tyres, and it nearly paid off. Unfortunately we lost a bit too much time because the first two laps were still wet, but after that it was a clear advantage. Mika`s three-stop strategy enabled him to pass Irvine, and the car was very competitive all through the race. We were running a similar set-up to qualifying, with minor changes which seemed to make a big difference.