Formula 1

Japanese GP: Sauber preview

Sauber Petronas Japanese Grand Prix preview Willy Rampf (Technical Director): "Suzuka is a very demanding track, so horsepower and low drag are important on its fastest sections. But different aspects of its character demand other strong ...

Published: Oct 7, 2002, 7:08 PM

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Sauber Petronas Japanese Grand Prix preview

Willy Rampf (Technical Director):

"Suzuka is a very demanding track, so horsepower and low drag are important on its fastest sections. But different aspects of its character demand other strong attributes from the car. It must be well balanced to deal with the fast ess curves at the start of the lap, and other fast corners such as the Spoon Curve that also place a premium on good downforce."

"Just to complicate things further, the tight chicane at the end of the lap requires good stability under braking and good mechanical traction on the exit. Since the track surface is also quite abrasive, tyre compound choice can be critical. From all this, it is clear that Suzuka is a very challenging track, and is therefore highly popular for both the drivers and the engineers alike."

Nick Heidfeld (32 GPs, 11 World Championship points):

"I have always said that Suzuka is one of my favourite circuit. I really like its combination of fast and medium speed corners, and the demands it places on you as a driver to be quick yet smooth, and to optimise the set-up of your car. I think it should suit the SAUBER PETRONAS C21, and look forward to a chance to score points to consolidate our fifth place in the World Championship for Constructors."

Felipe Massa (15 GPs, 4 World Championship points):

"Everything I have heard about Suzuka makes me want to race there! From what I have seen there are parts of it that resemble Silverstone and Mugello, two of my favourite circuits. This will be my first-ever visit to Japan, and I am fortunate that Nick and I will be guests of Credit Suisse this week in Tokyo on October 8, so I will have a chance to see this great country and to enjoy myself at the same time. I am also determined to do my very best for the team. It would be nice to finish my first season of racing in Formula One by scoring some more points."

-sauber-

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