Formula One news

Bridgestone is 'major' Sauber weakness - Rampf

Privateer F1 team Sauber has joined Bridgestone's works squad Ferrari in pushing the Japanese tyre supplier to up its performance over a single qualifying lap. Technical director Willy Rampf said it's Sauber's 'major weakness' in 2004. "It's difficult for us to drive a very fast lap," he said on Tuesday.

Rampf said the tyre is very consistent in a race, such as at Barcelona a fortnight ago, but Michelin easily have the upper hand on the first quick lap. He added: "Qualifying is so important for the grid position ...especially here in Monaco.

"That's why we opted for a conservative strategy in Spain."

Willy revealed that Bridgestone has been 'informed of [our] needs' but a source close to Sauber believes the C23 won't be wearing 'Ferrari spec' Monaco tyres.

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