The Sauber F1 Team arrive at the Sochi Autodrom this weekend with an eye on returning to points following a disappointing weekend in Japan two weeks ago, with the team also eager to progress with the upgrades on their C34-Ferrari further in Russia.
Brazilian Felipe Nasr secured a podium finish a year ago at the circuit while driving for Carlin in the GP2 Series, and feels the venue is an impressive one that requires good traction and braking stability, things he hopes to have this weekend.
“The track in Sochi is again another circuit on which I will drive my first laps in a Formula One car,” said Nasr. “But I know it from last year’s GP2 races. I have quite good memories from this weekend after finishing one of the races on the podium.
“The circuit itself is a bit of a mix between a permanent and a street track. It is impressive that it has been built in the centre of the Olympic Park, which makes it an interesting environment.
“The circuit itself consists mainly of low and medium-speed corners. Therefore, braking stability as well as traction is very important. During the weekend we will continue to work on evaluating our aero package.”
Team-mate Marcus Ericsson competed at the venue a year go while driving for the now defunct Caterham F1 Team, a race that turned out to be his final outing with the team. This season he is hoping to continue the development of the upgraded C34 the team brought to Singapore two races ago, and is aiming for a return to the points.
“Last season the Russian Grand Prix was my last race both with Caterham and for the year,” said Ericsson. “Qualifying wasn’t so bad, and then I also had a decent race. So I have good memories of this track.
“Hopefully the second Russian race will be a positive weekend for me with the Sauber C34-Ferrari. But we have to work hard to optimise our updates that we have brought to Singapore, and try to make them work even better. And, of course, our aim is to score points again.”
