Sauber used their final day of pre-season testing to simulate a race weekend, with Kamui Kobayashi completing a qualifying practice before lunch, and finishing the day by completing a race distance at the Circuit de Catalunya.
“Today we ran a similar programme to yesterday,” explained technical director James Key. “The morning was very productive with the track conditions for the qualifying practice quite cold and difficult compared to yesterday.
“In the afternoon we did a race simulation, first using old tyres and then a new set at the end. Unfortunately we suffered a drive shaft problem which stopped us some laps early. The problem still has to be investigated.
“Today we reached the end of winter testing and are now looking forward to the season's opening race in Melbourne. I'd like to thank Kamui for the professionalism he has shown today.”
Kobayashi managed 89 laps today, finishing sixth on the timesheets. However, the Japanese driver was understandably more concerned about the news of the earthquake in his home country.
“I ran through the scheduled programme with a qualifying practice and almost a race distance today,” he said. “But now all my thoughts are with the people in Japan. My country has suffered an enormous catastrophe. The news is depressing and I'm very sad. I can't really put in words what I feel.”
