Perez: “We are far from our best level”
Following the first tests of the season in Jerez and Barcelona, Sergio Perez admitted that the Sauber C31 was encountering some development difficulties but had the potential to be competitive.
Just like Lotus-Renault, Sauber seems to be encountering difficulties with its chassis. The initial tests in Barcelona were shortened after the team became concerned about the structure and behavior of the chassis on this fast track.
After contacting the factory in Switzerland, the team found a mechanical solution to fix the problem, and Perez was able to get back on the track in the afternoon.
However, new problems at the rear of the car surfaced, which significantly hampered the Mexican in his tests: “We didn’t complete the planned program,” he stated at the end of yesterday, before adding: “We expected to do many more laps than that, but we had some issues and I had to stay immobilized for a long time. So it wasn’t an ideal day.”
The driver nevertheless draws positive aspects from these tests: « We still collected important information today (editor’s note: read yesterday), and I hope this continues tomorrow (editor’s note: read today). »
Even if he seems a little disappointed with his car’s performance, Perez urges his team to keep working in the right direction: « We are still far from our best level, but we must keep focusing to maximize the car’s potential. But I am confident, and I know we can improve further. »
According to him, Sauber is not behind its direct competitors: « At this stage, we have had more questions to resolve about this season’s car than last year. But everyone is encountering problems, and I believe no one is able to completely finish their program. The good news is that we had these problems here, during testing. We need to find solutions to this. »
