Formula One news

Sauber hope to keep cool in Malaysia

Fisichella in action at Albert Park

After a disappointing season-opening Australian Grand Prix the Sauber Petronas team moves to Malaysia to compete in the second leg of the FIA Formula One World Championship, the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang on 21 March.

"Sepang is like Albert Park in Australia, a maximum downforce track under the latest aerodynamic regulations. Cooling is also a critical factor," explained Technical Director Willy Rampf. "Especially for the race we have to prepare our maximum cooling capacity with the bodywork and we must also have some 'emergency' cooling in our pocket."

"The C23s will be in similar specification to Australia, because there was no time for us to test between races and the first components from our new wind tunnel at Hinwil will not come on stream until Imola," he added. "Overall, Sepang requires plenty of traction, so this will be the focus for the mechanical setting. There are a lot of high-speed corners, therefore stability is also important, together with good chassis handling balance."

"The high track temperature is very demanding for the tyres, but we are confident that Bridgestone will have a well performing tyre like in Melbourne. There is a high chance of rain, so rain setting has to be prepared," he continued. "In Melbourne we were pleased with the performance of the C23 in the latter half of the race, which is very encouraging as we approach this important event. We will do our best to perform well in front of our sponsor Petronas."

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