Saturday: Aggressive Strategy for Perez and Sauber in Abu Dhabi
Mixed qualifying session for the Sauber team, as both drivers failed to properly exploit their new soft tire sets. Despite this small issue, Sergio Perez nearly reached Q3. The Mexican ultimately finishes in 11th place but hopes to gain some positions during the race tomorrow with an aggressive strategy. Despite his 16th place on the grid, Kamui Kobayashi will also attempt to climb towards the top 10.
Sergio Perez – 13th and 11th
«I am very happy to be 11th on the grid. Everyone in the team did a great job. I set my best lap in Q2 on a set of soft tires already used in Q1. Obviously, I was hoping to improve with a fresh set of tires, but I couldn’t get them to work well. We are fighting for several places in the constructors’ championship, but I hope to have a good race tomorrow with an aggressive strategy. Anything can happen. It will be my first race at dusk, but I have seen yesterday and today that tinted visors work quite well.»
Kamui Kobayashi – 12th and 16th
«I did what was my best lap in Q2 with a set of softs already used in Q1. This lap wasn’t perfect, but I have high hopes with my new set of softs. We eventually had problems getting these tires to heat up properly, which is why I couldn’t improve. The difference in terms of grip between an already used set and a new set was really very big. But I am hopeful for a good race tomorrow.»
Peter Sauber – Sauber F1 Director
« After several difficult qualifying sessions recently, we managed to make a step forward today, which is really positive. Sergio did a very good lap and just narrowly missed Q3. He managed to stay ahead of the Toro Rossos, who are our direct competitors, and also ahead of the two Renaults, which is a good thing. For Kamui, it didn’t work as well. But in any case, I remain confident in our performance during the race, where it will be crucial to manage the tires well. »
