Sauber: F1 victory possible
2012-06-15 08:43
RACE WIN IN SIGHT: After a second and third place podium in 2012, Sauber's team principal is confident that a race win is possible this season.
Author: ALAN BALDWIN
Sauber can hope for more podium finishes in 2012 - even a few race wins - according to the Formula 1 team's principal and founder Peter Sauber.
The team joined the sport in 1993 but has never won a GP as an independent team. It's sole triumph was as BMW-Sauber when Robert Kubica won the 2008 Canadian GP.
The crew came close to wins in 2012 with rookie Sergio Perez finishing second in Malaysia in March and then taking third in Canada in June.
BETTER THAN EXPECTED
Sauber has also scored 14 more points more than its tally in 2011.
Peter Sauber said: "Before the season I don't suppose anyone would have put that question to me but now, after seven races with seven different winners, so much seems possible.
"In Malaysia we came very close to winning. Further podium places certainly seem a realistic prospect. The prerequisite, of course, is that our drivers go into the race from good grid positions."
While some have said the unprecedented streak of seven different winners in the first seven races risks devaluing the sport, Sauber was thrilled by the cars being much closer in performance.
'NEVER MORE EXCITING'
Sauber said: "As far as I can see it's just a handful of people in the paddock who can't get used to not knowing by Friday who's going to win on Sunday. I think the fans see it in a completely different light - they're delighted with the unpredictability, the sheer variety and the unbelievably close competition.
"I've been in F1 for 20 years and for me it's never been better or more exciting."
Sauber said his team's cars, the C31, were far better than recent results suggested: "After seven races it is patently clear the C31 can be fast on virtually any kind of track."
