Malaysian GP: Sauber race notes

Sepang, Sunday 17 March 2002 Weather: Warm and humid.

Nick Heidfeld and Felipe Massa both achieved points-scoring finishes for Team SAUBER PETRONAS in today's Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, with fifth and sixth places respectively.

Nick Heidfeld

"I made a good start and almost got David (Coulthard) before he closed the door, and after that I pushed as hard as I could. The car was great today, strong and reliable, and even when Michael and Juan Pablo came by me I was able to race for my position. You always hope for more, but fifth place today is a great result for the team after the disappointment in Australia. I think I got the most out of our situation."

Felipe Massa

"I am so happy to score my first World Championship point in only my second F1 race. It feels wonderful! People tell me I touched another car in the first corner, but I didn't feel anything and I managed to keep clear of the other trouble. I think I had a bit too much downforce because I couldn't pass anyone on the straights, but once Bernoldi stopped I was free to run my own race and I'm happy that I didn't make any mistakes. I thought if I finished I could score a point, and though this circuit was very difficult in the circumstances today, that's how it worked out."

Peter Sauber (Team Principal)

"To have both cars in the points at our 'home' circuit in Sepang is fantastic, especially as this is such a tough race. Everyone in the team did an excellent job, not just in the race but all weekend. It was not easy to lift ourselves and to recover our momentum after what happened in Melbourne, but we have done that in style. This success is for Petronas because it's the first time we've scored points here. But it is something we can all celebrate."

Driver (Chassis)
Heidfeld (C21-03) 1:39.935s 5th
Massa (C21-04) 1:40.493s 6th
Spare: (C21-01)

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