Formula 1

Italian GP: Sauber race notes

Team Sauber Petronas drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Felipe Massa finished eighth and 12th respectively in today's Italian Grand Prix. Giancarlo Fisichella: "A point was what I expected, but also not what I expected, given the unusual ...

Published: Sep 13, 2004, 3:41 PM

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Team Sauber Petronas drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Felipe Massa finished eighth and 12th respectively in today's Italian Grand Prix.

Giancarlo Fisichella:

"A point was what I expected, but also not what I expected, given the unusual circumstances at the beginning of the race. I was always confident overall that we could score, but to begin with I lost vital time through the combination of low downforce, a high fuel load and dry tyres. But once the track began to dry I felt more confident and was able to start pushing hard and have a very good race. At the end I saw Pizzonia and Coulthard collide and hoped momentarily that I might get even more, but I am satisfied with a point for eighth today."

Felipe Massa:

"I had a good start and I think it was the correct decision to go for intermediate tyres on my car. I made up a lot of positions and got as high as sixth at one stage. Once I had switched to dry tyres I got on to a damp patch and slid into the back of Nick Heidfeld. That was annoying because I wasn't even trying to pass him, and it cost me my front wing. Overall, however, the car was very quick and I could match the pace of the leaders. Without my problem I'm sure I could have scored more points this afternoon."

Peter Sauber (Team Principal):

"This was a very strong race for us after the uncertainty of the opening laps, and Giancarlo was very close to both Williamses and the McLaren by the finish. When you look at where we started this was a great performance and we can be satisfied to score another point. Both drivers performed very strongly and their lap times were excellent once the conditions had stabilised. Felipe lost time after his great start because of a small incident with Nick Heidfeld, otherwise he would also have battled for points again."

Giancarlo Fisichella: 8th
Chassis: C23-04
Felipe Massa: 12th
Chassis: C23-01

-sauber-

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