Brazilain GP: Sauber Friday notes

Interlagos, Fr iday 29 March 2002

Felipe Massa and Nick Heidfeld finished in 17th and 18th places respectively after today's first free practice sessions for the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Nick Heidfeld:

"The car was good to start with today but we need to improve the balance further. Everything we did today was a step in the right direction, however, and my initial impression is that Bridgestone's new tyres are an improvement in the high track temperatures that we experienced."

Felipe Massa:

"We made a good start to our race preparation today. The track wasn't as dirty and difficult to drive as some others suggested, though everyone struggled for traction and grip. The balance of my car was very good and of course we will go quicker tomorrow when we optimise the set-up for qualifying. I'm happy with the progress we have made so far."

Peter Sauber (Team Principal):

"We spent both sessions working for the race, which we know will be a difficult one because of the high track and ambient temperatures. It was the right decision to invest our time this way, running under race conditions and conducting tyre comparisons, even if our positions on the timesheets do not look so impressive."

Driver (Chassis)
Free practice
Heidfeld (C21-03) 1:16.573s, 18th
Massa (C21-04) 1:16.548s, 17th
Spare: (C21-01)

-sauber-