By SAUBER PETRONAS
September 20 2005

As the 2005 FIA Formula 1 World Championship moves into its final phase with three ‘flyaway’ races, Team SAUBER PETRONAS heads to the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix. The team have not the best of luck at the bumpy Brazilian Circuit. The low point came in 2000 when they had to withdraw both cars on the grounds of safety before the race even began. But they made up for it next year when Nick Heidfeld finished 3rd to take his first career podium. Last year Felipe Massa led several laps en route to an 8th place finish.



Willy Rampf (Technical Director):

"Interlagos is one of those very challenging circuits, both for the drivers and for the engineers. It requires mutually incompatible things from the car: you want minimal drag for the long straights - especially the long uphill drag to the start/finish line - but equally you want maximum downforce for the tight infield complex. You therefore have to make shrewd compromises in setting up the car. It’s also important to achieve the optimal combination of springs and rollbars on the mechanical side in order to generate good traction and grip, because the track is very bumpy. The surface is also quite abrasive, so tyre wear is fairly high and must be taken into consideration.

"We lose a fair amount of engine power because of the high altitude. This places even greater importance on the aerodynamic efficiency of the car. Apart from that Interlagos is, together with Imola and Istanbul, an anti-clockwise track which makes it a bit harder on the drivers’ neck muscles. At this time of the year it is the first days of spring in the southern hemisphere, so an occasional shower cannot be ruled out; as we saw last year that can make the race even more exciting.

"Last year Felipe qualified very well and ran strongly early in the race, so we will build on the experience we gained then to hone the C24 for a circuit which should suit it well."

SAUBER PETRONAS - Prior Results at Sao Paulo, Brazil:

• Starts: 22 (1993 - 1999, 2001 - 2004)
• Finishes: 9 (40.9 %)
• Best Finish: 3rd, Nick Heidfeld, 2001
• Average Finish: 7.67
• Best Qualifying: 4th, Felipe Massa, 2004
• Average Qualifying: 11.5
• NOTE: Withdrew both cars for safety reasons after qualifying in 2000.