With six races to go, the Sauber F1 Team will head to the first of the end-of-season flyaway races in Singapore with the belief that they can secure their first points of a dreadful 2014 Formula 1 season to date. Both Esteban Gutierrez and Adrian Sutil believe they can maximise their weekend, with both drivers feeling positive of a good result around the street circuit.
Gutierrez made it through to the final part of qualifying for the first time in Singapore back in 2013, and will be hoping for another standout weekend this season. He has faith that the Sauber C33 will suit the Singapore circuit, and is looking forward to seeing how the updated car works around the twisty and mechanical grip-dependent streets, especially after two circuits where engine power was key to performance.
“I am looking forward to the Singapore Grand Prix, as it is one of my favorite tracks,” said Gutierrez. “The fact that the race is hold at night brings a great atmosphere, which I really enjoy. Because of the high humidity, racing is a physical challenge there.
I remember last year, not only when I was driving, but even more so when I finished the race, I noticed how much energy this climate consumed. Overall I have good memories from Singapore. In 2013 we had a good qualifying, and it was the first time I made it into Q3.
In terms of track layout, I think the characteristics will suit the C33. We have been working intensely on the mechanical set-up of the car, which will be crucial on this circuit, as the track has many tight corners and only a few short straights.
“I am really looking forward to the weekend, and especially to getting the maximum out of the updates to the car we are having there. It is going to be an interesting race, and there is a realistic chance for a positive result.”
Team-mate Sutil has a best finish of eighth at Singapore back in 2011 while driving for the Force India team, and is looking forward to returning to the track this year. The German openly admits to loving driving on street circuits, and believes Singapore is one of the highlights of the year. He hopes that because engine power is not as crucial around the tight and twisty circuit that the team might be able to have their best result of the season.
“Driving on the track in Singapore is good fun, and, on top of that, it is a street circuit which I personally like a lot,” reflected Sutil. “The circuit has relatively short straights and 23 corners, which makes it the track with the most corners on the calendar.
“Sheer engine power is not crucial here; rather a high mechanical grip is important because of the many tight corners. Good stability of the car as well as high downforce will be essential, as the circuit has several kerbs and is quite bumpy in some places. I think we will have the best chance for a better result there.
“Moreover, the night race in Singapore is always special and offers the spectators a great backdrop. I am looking forward to the Asian trip; the Singapore Grand Prix is one of the season highlights.”
