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| In its 21st season the Sauber F1 team looks forward to the 2013 Australian Grand Prix with an all new drivers' line-up and a revamped Sauber C32 |
After 12 days of intensive testing at the Jerez and Barcelona circuits, the start of
the new season beckons: on the weekend of 15th – 17th March, the 2013 FIA Formula
One World Championship gets under way at Melbourne’s Albert Park with the Australian
Grand Prix. The Sauber F1 Team will embark on its 21st season with a new driver pairing:
Nico Hülkenberg and Esteban Gutiérrez will be behind the wheel of the Sauber
C32-Ferrari. Building on the strong foundation laid down last year, the team now aims to
make further advances.
Nico Hülkenberg :
“Finally the start of the season is coming closer. I left Europe yesterday.
I’m really looking forward to this race, as Australia is always one of my favorite
Grands Prix, and Melbourne has a very special atmosphere, so I’m keen to be there. I
also like the track which is not a permanent circuit. We are driving around a lake in a
park and, especially during the drivers’ parade, you feel very close to the
fans.
“The track itself is very challenging for the drivers. It has got a lot of bumps
and you have to know how best to deal with them. In terms of competitiveness, the final
Barcelona test showed we are quite well prepared but still have some homework to do, and
that we still have room for improvement in certain areas. But I’m confident the
baseline is good. I’m really looking forward to racing against the usual grid
and finally get a clear picture of where everybody stands with regard to
performance.”
Esteban Gutiérrez :
"Now we have finalised the pre-season testing, I feel very grateful for the work of
every team member and the opportunity to get up to speed with the basics of F1.Melbourne
will be my first race in F1 and I'm sure it will be very special. It’s a track that
I don’t know, but I’m confident I will be able to learn it quickly in the free
practice sessions.
"Competing in a Formula One race is the next step in my career, and that’s what I
need to focus on. One of the things that I need to do is feel natural and relaxed in my
surroundings so I can focus on the most important elements during the weekend. I feel I
have a good base for the start of the season, but, of course, I will keep on working as I
have areas were I can improve. My goal is to exploit the car’s potential and finish
consistently within the points."
