Third Car in Spain Could Help Sauber Score Points

By Jamie Makin (4/5/2004)
May 5 2004

If there was ever an ideal time for team SAUBER PETRONAS to decide to run their third car during the Friday practice sessions, this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix would be that time.

The Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona is one of the more demanding circuits the team will compete at this season. It is demanding on all aspects of the car; aerodynamics, engine and in particular the tyres. The team needs to arrive with a competitive car and must constantly adapt the setup to cope with changing conditions. "Barcelona is a very tough track for tyre wear and degradation – especially rear tyres. The nature of the track's abrasive surface means we have had to think carefully about our choice for this race," warned Hisao Suganuma, Bridgestone's Technical Manager.

The other challenge is that this circuit is one of the favorite testing tracks for teams. Because teams and drivers are so well acquainted with it, they are able to push their cars to the limit during the entire weekend. It is very difficult to find that competitive advantage. Bridgestone Director of Motorsport, Hiroshi Yasukawa openly admitted to the challenge. "Barcelona is one of the most popular circuits for teams to test at which means we can expect the competition to be even more fierce than usual."

These factors are a concern to the Sauber team because as a whole the Bridgestone-shod teams have been far less active there recently than their Michelin rivals. Sauber tested there numerous occasions over the winter break, but the test last month was riddled with problems that restricted their running. Ferrari made a few winter visits, but only with last year's F2003-GA. At best they set lap times over a second behind BAR-Honda who were quickest all winter. The F2004 has yet to turn a lap on the circuit. The financially struggling Jordan team tested briefly at the track, but were over 3 seconds off the pace, while Minardi has not been there since last year.

The four Bridgestone teams are working more closely together this year to share tyre test data in hopes of beating the Michelin-shot teams who outnumber them at six-strong. All six of those Michelin teams have put in a considerable number of testing laps at Barcelona and could easily gain the upper hand this weekend. While Ferrari has the most at stake with trying to maintain their championship lead, Sauber will be equally keen to score additional points to break out of their tie for sixth place with Jaguar. They will also seek to keep Toyota behind them. To beat these two Michelin runners, Sauber will have to exploit everything advantage they can find. According to Sauber's Technical Director, Willy Rampf, the team "will have even more work to do on tyre evaluation and selection on Friday, to find the right compromise for qualifying and the race."

Sauber have yet to exercise their right to run a third car during Friday practice sessions. Earlier in the year, Peter Sauber remarked that the team would only do so when necessary. Sauber needs to work hard this weekend to solidify their sixth place standing, and to avoid what could be an easy slide back to eight. If ever there was a good time to run the third car on Friday, this is certainly it. There has been no talk from the team about this possibility, but it would certainly be a wasted opportunity if they don't.

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