Lack of grip for Sauber drivers at Monza
Apart from the usual preparation work and tyre evaluation, both drivers used the first two free practice sessions on the famous high speed circuit in Monza to try the various options of the low drag aerodynamic package.
Pedro de la Rosa:
C29.03 / Ferrari 056
1st Practice: 15th / 1:25.320 (20 laps) / 2nd Practice: 16th / 1:24.547 min (32 laps)
“Today’s sessions were dedicated to trying different downforce levels and to go through the tyres. I think we have a good understanding of what is needed and, actually, we are better than we appear. We will now work with the data for some improvements, including a better set-up for the kerbs in the chicanes.“
Kamui Kobayashi:
C29.01 / Ferrari 056
1st Practice: 16th / 1:25.334 min (24 laps) / 2nd Practice: 17th / 1:24.785 min (31 laps)
“I’m afraid I can’t say much yet. I know the circuit well and I quite like it, but I had a hard day because I struggled from a general lack of grip. We have to improve that and we will.“
James Key, Technical Director: “It was a little bit of a tough day with trying to get the most out of the car. The main reason is a lack of consistency. We seem to lack grip, which makes it difficult for the drivers to get the most out of the tyres and the car. We saw this particularly at the end of the second session, where it was difficult to get a decent advantage. So we need to work hard over night and see what we can do. We will definitely make some mechanical changes, and we have to evaluate the downforce level for tomorrow. We always felt this could be a slightly weaker circuit for us than the others. We have to work hard and see that we can improve for tomorrow.”
