Bahrain: SAUBER Ready for 200th Grand Prix


By Jamie Makin
March 31 2005

Armed with a significant amount of data gathered at the inaugural race in 2004, Team SAUBER PETRONAS heads to the Bahrain International Circuit for the second Bahrain Grand Prix, which marks the team’s 200th Formula One race.

Last year at the inaugural grand prix in Bahrain, both Giancarlo Fisichella and Felipe Massa finished outside of the points as the team had not yet come to terms with their C23. They have faced similar woes this season finding a competitive pace with their C24, but data gained from last year's event should give them a boost this weekend.

"We learned a great deal about the circuit at Sakhir during the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix last year. Our major concern then was the high ambient and track temperatures and the amount of sand that was likely to find its way on to the circuit, and once again much of our preparation work was of a precautionary nature," the team's technical director Willy Rampf explained. "We will use our maximum cooling bodywork package, and take a lot of time with additional filters and protection for things such as suspension pivots and wheel bearings. To be honest the sand issue was not as bad as we had expected, but because of the single-engine-for-two-race-weekends rule this year we will naturally still have to be very careful in the measures we take. With the new 2005 aerodynamic regulations we will once again run the maximum downforce available."

One of the main issues that Villeneuve and Massa have faced this year is finding a good setup for the C24. The desert circuit will not make this task any easier for them. "Sakhir offers a wide range of corners," mused Rampf. "In sector one there is a tight turn at the end of the straight which requires good traction to maximise the speed into the following corner. Sector two is very demanding for the drivers as there are some esses and high speed corners. Braking at turn-in requires a car set-up which offers a high degree of stability."

Although setup may be difficult, it is one of the more forgiving tracks towards the drivers. "The circuit has a lot of run-off area, so if a driver goes off the track there is a high chance that he can get back on without too much difficulty and without damage. This is a good thing because the unusual width of the track has helped to generate one or two places where drivers are encouraged to attempt overtaking," said Rampf.

SAUBER PETRONAS - Prior Results at Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir: