Japanese GP: Sauber race notes

On the occasion of team principal Peter Sauber's birthday Nick Heidfeld brought his Sauber Petronas C21 home seventh in today's Japanese Grand Prix, and the team was able to secure its fifth place in the constructors' championship. Felipe Massa's last race for the team ended when he went off the road on the fourth lap.

Nick Heidfeld:

"I made a very good start and went from 12th to 10th, so I was happy with that. The balance of the car was pretty good in the first two sectors of the race, but went off a little in the third. I really would have liked to score a point, but it was most important to finish and we achieved this. Congratulations to the team for its fifth place finish overall."

Felipe Massa:

"I got my car over the kerb exiting the Degner Curve and then I lost a bit of downforce as I was right behind Villeneuve so I just couldn't get back on the road. I'm disappointed to finish my last race for the team this way, but I would like to say thank you to Peter Sauber for the opportunity to race in Formula One this year, and to all my engineers and mechanics for their help and support."

Peter Sauber (Team Principal):

"I am relieved that we were able to retain our fifth place in the World Championship for Constructors. Looking at the season overall, Sauber Petronas deserved this result. We were not competitive enough in the last part of the year to continue our fight for fourth place, but given the intensity of the competition we should not be disappointed. I want to thank the entire team for creating such a reliable car and for the marvellous job they have done throughout this season. We are already working hard on the C22 for 2003, and will incorporate all the valuable lessons we have learned this year."

Driver (Chassis)
Heidfeld (C21-01)
7th

Massa (C21-02)
Retired lap 4, accident
Spare: (C21-04)

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