Sauber on a roll?

[Emfa]

In the midst of the talk about Mika getting back into the winner's circle it seems that nobody made mention of both Sauber's being in the points this weekend (maybe they did and I just haven't read every post thoroughly). I thought that it shouldn't go without a mention. A lot of people have been quick to point out Nick's & Kimi's skills which surely contribute a great deal, but Peter Sauber must be doing something right too.

Sauber are now 4th in the WCC - ahead of BAR, Jag, Jordan, etc. Is there one thing to which this can be attributed? Ferrari power? Or have they just got it all together? Or maybe this isn't such a big deal????

[steve nielsen]

Sauber seem to have it together this year, the Ferrari power plays a large part in that, but Prost also have Ferrari power and aren't that fast(the Prost is a really bad car), BUT: I doubt they will be able to mantain this position next year: Sergio Rinland the designer responsible for this years car has quit the team in the beginning of the year, his replacement(can't come up with his name) has quit and gone to Jordan.......

[kristof14]

i think the engine contribites hugely as it basically makes up the whole of the rear end of the car. If your running a ferrari engine you need their gearbox, it also dictates the position of the suspension. so basically this years saubers have the back end of last years ferrari!!!

[Don K]

Originally posted by kristof14
i think the engine contribites hugely as it basically makes up the whole of the rear end of the car. If your running a ferrari engine you need their gearbox, it also dictates the position of the suspension. so basically this years saubers have the back end of last years ferrari!!!

I see.
So that explains why the Prosts are doing so well ...

[EERO]

Originally posted by kristof14
i think the engine contribites hugely as it basically makes up the whole of the rear end of the car. If your running a ferrari engine you need their gearbox, it also dictates the position of the suspension. so basically this years saubers have the back end of last years ferrari!!!

I may be mistaken, but I believe that Sauber make their own transmission while Prost uses the entire Ferrari driveline.

I am surprised that Sauber seem to have maintained the pace this deeply into the season rather than trailing off after he first few races.

Though I have great regard for both Heidfeld and Raikkonen- Salo, Alesi and Herbert were not neccessarily slouches. As Mister Neilsen suggests, Sauber will be hard pressed to match this season's results next year.

[Raven]

Peter Sauber has said Raikkonen & Heidfeld are the best drivers he;s ever had in the team.

[EERO]

Bouillon
Wendlinger
Frentzen
Salo
Alesi
Herbert
Lehto



Diniz
Fontana
Larini

Some tough and not so tough comparisons. Heidfeld is being overshadowed lately by his young teammate, but clearly they are both very talented, but better than the first bunch listed? I'll bet Sauber is being just a little polite, though history may prove him to be correct.

[Bononi]

They always had some good guys in the cockpit.

Well, not always. Nobody's perfect.

[kristof14]

prost are doing ****e because they dont have the budget to develop the aerodynmics and electronics, whereas sauber have got a big sponsor who provide them with all the money they need!

[Minardi fan]

Sauber will struggle next season because the brains behind this season's car has gone.

Prost indeed have no money for development - most of their budget has gone on the Ferrari engines.

As for Sauber drivers - Diniz was always under-rated, and Larini was no slouch. In fact Fontana seems to be the only weak link in their entire history.

[enemy-ace]

Originally posted by EERO
I am surprised that Sauber seem to have maintained the pace this deeply into the season rather than trailing off after he first few races.

I heard a rumour a couple of weeks back that Ferrari were to supply Sauber with qualifying engines for the second half of the year. I'm not sure if this is true, but if it is that would certainly explain some of their current speed. Personnally I'm just glad their near the front it makes for some interesting racing

[Peter Mallett]

I recall Hiedfeld was very good in F3000. He was a bit ropey in the Prost (don't know why) but he's come good again this year.

Kimi OTH is just a revalation. No ego, no big mouth and a clever approach to racing.

As to the qualifying engines thing. If you were Ferrari and you were going for the mosr manufacturers points in a season wouldn't you try to put your "second string" team in between you and your rivals?

Sorry perhaps I've sunk to "team Bashing" here.

[Valve Bounce]

Originally posted by Emfa
In the midst of the talk about Mika getting back into the winner's circle it seems that nobody made mention of both Sauber's being in the points this weekend (maybe they did and I just haven't read every post thoroughly). I thought that it shouldn't go without a mention. A lot of people have been quick to point out Nick's & Kimi's skills which surely contribute a great deal, but Peter Sauber must be doing something right too.

Sauber are now 4th in the WCC - ahead of BAR, Jag, Jordan, etc. Is there one thing to which this can be attributed? Ferrari power? Or have they just got it all together? Or maybe this isn't such a big deal????

I have to agree with you. At the beginning of hte season, I never thought Kimi would qualify above 15th place or finish above tenth. How wrong I was. Sauber made the right choice in Kimi, and they have a very good car for the two drivers. Both in the points is fantastic.