2004 Sauber Drivers Working Well Together
By Jamie Makin
May 30 2004
For the 2004 Formula One Season, the SAUBER PETRONAS team took the risk of changing both drivers in their lineup at the same time. The last time they made such a decision was when they brought in Nick Heidfeld and Kimi Raikkonen in 2001 to replace Pedro Diniz and Mika Salo.
Both Nick Heidfeld and Heinz-Harald Frentzen left the team at the end of last season, leaving behind years of experience and knowledge. Heidfeld had been a constant for the Swiss team for three straight seasons. Frentzen had returned for just the 2003 season, but had previously spent 1994 through 1996 with the team. Although Felipe Massa had driven for Sauber in 2002, this year's lineup is still relatively new to the team.
Some Formula One teams have pairs of drivers that get along great and work together towards a common goal, like Ferrari's Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello. Others, like Williams-BMW's Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher, are encouraged by the team to rival each other on the track and often end up having public quarrels when things don't go well between them.
How would the two new Sauber drivers get along and fit into the team this year? So far it looks as though they are getting along very well. When asked about his younger teammate, Giancarlo Fisichella made the following remark, "Felipe is not only a very nice guy but also a good driver, and we get along really well."
Although the two drivers are know for having very different driving styles and setup preferences, Fisichella made it clear they are still helping each other as much as they can. "The team has a completely open policy with regard to data analysis, and Felipe´s input is very valuable. We always exchange our data and know exactly what we are each doing. However, at the end of the day each of us does what he thinks is best."
Sauber's technical director, Willy Rampf had praise for both of the team's drivers following their strong showing in Barcelona last week. "Giancarlo is delivering exactly the kind of performance we expected of him. He´s been in Formula 1 since 1996 and, of course, has lots of experience. He´s shown that last weekend, to be sure," Rampf said of Fisichella's 7th place finish.
Felipe Massa may be younger and less experienced than his teammate, but Rampf was complimentary of his efforts as well. "Felipe has greatly benefited from his year as a Ferrari test driver. Since he drove for us in 2002, he´s made major strides in the technical arena. His feedback is very detailed, and he´s making personal suggestions on how to improve the car." Developing the C23 quickly is vital because it is a revolutionary change from the last few cars and the quicker the team can understand it, the quicker they will be able to fight for points with it.
Rampf also had praise for Massa's race performances. "What´s more, his performance in the race has become a lot more consistent. After all, he´s always been quick."
It appears the 2004 SAUBER PETRONAS team is bonding together well, and when everyone works towards the same goal, it is likely that the team will continue to improve.