Friday 10 February 2012

GPUpdate

Sauber looks ahead to Hungary

27 July 2010

Prior to Germany, Sauber had scored in three of the previous four Grands Prix although the Swiss team endured a difficult afternoon at Hockenheim from which it came away with 11th and 14th positions. Kamui Kobayashi and Pedro de la Rosa now look on to this weekend’s race in Budapest.

Hungary 2006: As Jenson Button won his first race for Honda, de la Rosa finished second for McLaren
Hungary 2006: As Jenson Button won his first race for Honda, de la Rosa finished second for McLaren

The back-to-back events at Hockenheim and the Hungaroring signal a busy period for Formula 1 teams, which are required to transport equipment and personnel alike from one venue to the next – separated by over 500 miles – in four days.

“Budapest is one of my favourites because I achieved my first and so far only podium there,” former McLaren driver de la Rosa began. “This was back in 2006, when I finished second. The city is extremely interesting and offers a lot. The architecture of the bridges, houses and castles is just beautiful.

“When I was a test driver I used to go running along the river on Saturdays after qualifying. You can feel the history but at the same time the city is very much alive. In a way, it reminds me of Spain.

“Perhaps it is not the best track for our car, but we have improved it a lot for slow corners and we have also proved if we finish races we can fight for points.”

Hungary 2009: Kobayashi’s DAMS GP2 car passes the water park located on the outside of Turn 5
Hungary 2009: Kobayashi’s DAMS GP2 car passes the water park located on the outside of Turn 5

“I have good memories of the Hungaroring,” Kobayashi added. “Despite not achieving the best results there, I like racing on this circuit a lot. I find it nice and exciting and I certainly enjoy the city, especially the restaurants on the side of the river.

“Also, the circuit has a good tradition and a nice atmosphere. It is very narrow and windy, which might be tough for us this year. Overtaking is very difficult on that track and therefore our chances at the Hungaroring depend a lot on if and how much we can improve our qualifying performance.”

Related

Series
  Formula 1

Personalities
  Pedro de la Rosa
  Kamui Kobayashi

Teams
  Sauber

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Kamui Kobayashi
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Pedro de la Rosa
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