Sauber C22 in action: Heidfeld Positive

The Sauber C22
By Phil Huff
January 13 2003

Sauber Petronas started its 2003 test program in Barcelona today, having been snowed off in Fiorano last week during the first scheduled rollout of the 2003 spec C22.

This time, Nick Heidfeld was successfully able to debut the new car while Heinz-Harald Frentzen concentrated on development work with a C21. Nick covered 61 laps while Heinz-Harald Frentzen 37.

Willy Rampf (Technical Director) said "After our unexpected problem of snow in Italy last week, it was a relief to have cold but dry conditions in Spain today which enabled us to put the first kilometers on the new Sauber Petronas C22. Our purpose today was simply to check out all the components, control systems, the two-way telemetry and start to optimise the new gearbox and suspension settings. It has been a successful roll out. From the installation lap and the first run right up to end of the day, the car ran with complete reliability. Our first set-ups and data measurements are satisfactory."

Nick Heidfeld commented "I covered 61 laps today. I got some very good feelings from the C22. This was of course my first acquaintance with the car and we weren't running hard, and it won't be until we get to more testing that we will be able to push harder. I am delighted to report that my first impression of the new car was very favourable."

Heinz-Harald Frentzen, driving the C21, said "My role today was to continue testing development components on the C21. Unfortunately I lost a little bit of time with a hydraulic problem, but was able to continue running in the afternoon. I am very pleased to hear Nick's comments on the car. I am looking forward to my turn to drive the Sauber Petronas C22."