Sauber is hoping to score its first points since the German Grand Prix at the upcoming night race in Singapore after it lost championship position to Force India in Italy last weekend.
Sauber had a very strong start to the season with consistent points finishes in the opening ten rounds, but has now dropped from sixth to seventh in the constructors' title race. The last two grands prix have been held on fast circuits using the medium tyre as the harder compound and technical director James Key is confident the Sauber will be better suited to Singapore's characteristics.
"Pirelli will supply the soft and super soft tyres, the same as in Hungary, and we feel these are generally better tyres for us than what we have had at the last two events," he said. "We'll be looking closely at the balance of the car and its ability to absorb the kerbs and the bumps. We tested some new engine maps in Monza for the first time, and we will develop these further in Singapore.
Key is targeting a good qualifying performance on the street circuit.
"Even with DRS, overtaking will be difficult on this track, so qualifying positions and strategy are going to be important," he added. "Last year Kamui [Kobayashi] was able to make it into Q3. Obviously we are keen to bounce back after the disappointment of not scoring the points we thought were certain in Monza."
Sauber driver Sergio Perez is also confident.
"I believe the Singapore city circuit could be a good one for us," he said. "Actually I have not raced there yet, but I did a lot of work in the simulator and, knowing our car, I really hope we can have a positive weekend there. We obviously need to score points to get back our sixth position in the world championship."
Kamui Kobayashi added: "All in all I'm confident for the weekend, and I really want to achieve a good result because it is the last race before my home grand prix in Suzuka, and good results always give you extra motivation and make you stronger."
© ESPN EMEA Ltd.
Feeds: ESPNF1 Staff - Feedback
No comments:
Post a Comment