Malaysian GP Sauber race notes

Mika Salo finished a fighting eighth in today`s Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, but unfortunately Pedro Diniz was eliminated in a multi-car accident on the first lap.

Pedro Diniz:
A short race for me today! I got squeezed a bit in the second corner by Nick Heidfeld, and ended up hitting Jean Alesi, so that was it. A long way to come for such a short run.

Mika Salo:
My car felt great in the first stint, and I was able to climb up to eighth place by my first stop on the 16th lap. The second set of tyres gave me big understeer, however, and it wasn`t until I got my third set after my other stop on lap 36 that I could really push again. The last five laps were the best; you could really feel the grip coming back. I`d like to thank Peter and the team for a happy year, and wish them every success for 2001, when I hope that some of the things that I have helped to develop this season – such as power steering – prove beneficial.

Peter Sauber:
We are happy to have achieved two goals today: a top 10 finish and to keep ahead of Jaguar in the World Championship for Constructors. Pedro was unfortunate on the first lap, but Mika had another strong drive to eighth place and the team did its customary job in the pit stops. Once again, the C19 proved very reliable.