San Marino GP Sauber preview

Willy Rampf (Technical Director):
The San Marino Grand Prix in Imola on Sunday April 15th, like Interlagos, is a power circuit. It is also very heavy on braking because of all the slow chicanes and it requires good braking stability for the down hill section braking into Rivazza. High braking performance in these days means pulling more than 4G on deceleration for drivers Nick Heidfeld and Kimi Räikkönen. In Imola, you can win or loose the race on the brakes. Due to the slow speed corners the down force level is relatively high. This also helps to have improved traction out of the chicanes and to maximise tyre performance during the race. The Imola circuit is quite demanding on the drivers, with its varying characteristics of chicanes where you have to use the curbs, the fast corners and its up-and down hill sections where a good mechanical set up for high car stability is vital for a fast lap time.

Nick Heidfeld (19 GPs, 7 World Championship points):
Naturally I am really looking forward to San Marino after my third place in Brazil! The C20 is really working well, and we have a new aerodynamic package to test before the race. In Nevers Magny-Cours Testing session last week, we conducted with the test team an efficient programme of electronic and aerodynamic development. I completed 76 laps during my test session in France and have set quickest time (1m.15.63s), so I am very optimistic.

Kimi Räikkönen:(3 GPs, 1 World Championship point):
Imola is another new circuit for me, but as usual I'm really looking forward to the challenge. The RED BULL SAUBER PETRONAS C20 has proved its speed on three very different types of track so far this season, and now the European season is about to start. I'm confident we will continue to perform well.

-Sauber