Kamui Kobayashi has admitted that his Sauber C30 is lacking fundamental grip at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve this weekend, with the Japanese driver having to settle for 13th place during a difficult qualifying session for the Hinwil-based squad. Looking ahead to the race, the 24-year-old is determined to score points once again, with his run of top ten finishes stretching back to the Malaysian Grand Prix in April.
"It is a difficult weekend for us," Kobayashi began. "After I crashed yesterday the team had to build up the spare chassis for me. My biggest problem here is driving over the kerbs. I have an overall lack of grip and find it really tricky to get to the limit with the car.
"Nevertheless today the balance of the car improved a bit. I could have gone a few tenths quicker on my last flying lap. I was attacking quite hard and it was good until the middle of the second sector, as I then had a problem with using the rear wing and almost lost the car before the chicane. Our race pace should be good and I’m focusing on getting points tomorrow."
Pedro de la Rosa, who had a late call-up to replace Sergio Pérez after first practice, added: "It is obviously a very eventful time for me. Yesterday morning I didn’t expect to sit in a racing car, and this morning I actually didn’t expect a lot from qualifying.
"It is not easy to familiarise yourself with the car and all the new buttons in such a short space of time. Of course, the crash I had this morning didn’t help either. I lost the car and then also a bit of confidence goes. I am very happy the team managed to repair the car and I want to thank them.
"Anyway, every time I jump into the car it goes better. I’m quite pleased with the outcome of qualifying and I’m optimistic for the race. The Sauber C30 is always stronger in the race than in qualifying. I want to get points for the team as that is what I’m here for."
Series
Formula 1
Personalities
Kamui Kobayashi
Pedro de la Rosa
Teams
Sauber
Other
Get your official Formula 1 tickets at Sportstadium.com
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Time | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  S. Vettel | Red Bull | 01:13.014 | 17 |
| 2. | F. Alonso | Ferrari | 01:13.199 | 19 |
| 3. | F. Massa | Ferrari | 01:13.217 | 20 |
| 4. | M. Webber | Red Bull | 01:13.429 | 22 |
| 5. | L. Hamilton | McLaren | 01:13.565 | 18 |
| 6. | N. Rosberg | Mercedes | 01:13.814 | 14 |
| 7. | J. Button | McLaren | 01:13.838 | 20 |
| 8. | M. Schumacher | Mercedes | 01:13.864 | 14 |
| 9. | N. Heidfeld | Lotus Renault | 01:14.062 | 27 |
| 10. | V. Petrov | Lotus Renault | 01:14.085 | 25 |
| Full results | ||||
| Pedro de la Rosa | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| More Pedro de la Rosa photos | |||
| Kamui Kobayashi | |||
 |  |  |  |
| More Kamui Kobayashi photos | |||
English
Nederlands
Español
Italiano
