Formula 1

Esteban Gutierrez: “For me it is a special Grand Prix”

2 Mins read

The Sauber F1 Team remain without a point in 2014 with just three races to go this season as Formula 1 arrives at Austin for the United States Grand Prix. Neither Adrian Sutil nor Esteban Gutierrez have troubled the top ten this season, and the team remain in tenth place behind ninth placed Marussia, who are absent from the Austin weekend due to being in administration back in the UK.

Gutierrez is looking forward to the race at Austin partly due to the large number of Mexicans that turn up to support both himself and fellow Mexican driver Sergio Perez, but also due to the fact the circuit is one of his favourites on the calendar.

He understands how crucial it is to get a good set-up at the circuit, but is expecting another tough weekend with Sauber still experiencing a lack of straight-line speed.

“I am looking forward to the United States Grand Prix; it is a great feeling coming to Austin,” said Gutierrez. “For me it is a special Grand Prix, because we will have a lot of support from Mexico, as it is currently the race which is closest to my home country. I am looking forward to having great support from our fans there, which gives me extra motivation.

“The race weekend is always busy, and it requires a lot of energy. The track in Austin is one of my favourites; I love driving there. I like the first sector with a sequence of fast corners, which is similar to a part of the track in Silverstone. As we are still facing a lack of straight-line speed, the second part of the track could be a challenge, as it has a long straight. In the last sector there are some technical, slow-speed corners. All in all, it will be crucial to have a good set-up as well as efficient aerodynamics.”

Team-mate Sutil missed the inaugural race at Austin in 2012 but raced for the Force India team at the circuit in 2013, although his race ended on the opening lap after a clash with the Williams of Pastor Maldonado. He admits to enjoying racing there, and is hoping to get the best possible result this weekend for the team.

“The United States Grand Prix is a great event in a country in which motorsport is hugely important,” said Sutil. “I have only been to Austin once. It is a very interesting track that offers a bit of everything. After the first slow corner, the track has a sequence of left-right combinations, which remind me of the “Esses” in Suzuka. It is a lot of fun driving there.

“Obviously, a high amount of downforce, as well as engine power, is needed to be fast there. We will certainly do our best to get the maximum out of our package.”

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