Reliable first day of running for Kobayashi
Jerez de la Frontera, 7th February 2012 – The Sauber F1 Team is happy with the first day of pre-season testing in Jerez. Kamui Kobayashi was at the wheel of the new Sauber C31-Ferrari. The car proved to be reliable which allowed Kamui to cover more than one hundred laps and the team to carry out a comprehensive test programme.
Giampaolo Dall’Ara, Head of Track Engineering:
“We had a productive first day of testing; the car proved to be reliable which is always a good start and enabled us to do some long runs. The systems’ checks were positive and the temperatures are alright as well. For evaluation we worked on tyres and set-up and were running different fuel loads. We also carried out some mechanical work and did intense pit stop practice with new procedures in place. At the end of the test programme we finally checked the fuel system.”
Kamui Kobayashi:
“I’m happy. The new car feels fine. We managed good mileage today despite a small problem in the morning session. Running today wasn’t about performance but focused on checking systems and reliability. Nevertheless I got the impression the new Pirelli tyres might be good for us. I am looking forward to the next tests and to further work on the car.”
Tomorrow and on Thursday Sergio Pérez will be driving before handing back the car to Kamui on Friday.
Circuit: Jerez de la Frontera / 4.428 km
Driver: Kamui Kobayashi (JP)
Weather: Sunny all day, air 5-17°C, track 6-25°C
Chassis / engine: C31.02 / Ferrari 056
Mileage today: 106 laps
Fastest lap: 1:21.353 min
