Felipe Nasr’s 9th place finish « feels like victory » for Sauber
Since the start of the season, the Sauber team has been relegated to the bottom of the standings with no points scored, outstripped even by the Manor team. But this was without counting on a slight upturn in performance towards the end of the season, and the incredible weather conditions in Brazil, which enabled the 20th Grand Prix of the season to secure 9th place and the 2 points that go with it, thanks to local hero Felipe Nasr.
A nice feat for the Swiss team – plagued by financial problems since the start of the season – at the end of this Brazilian Grand Prix. Felipe Nasr, the second regional of this race, brought a great deal of joy to his team. Indeed, at the bottom of the Constructors’ standings before this event with zero points, compared to one point for the Manor team, scored at the Austrian Grand Prix last July. The Sauber team was desperately searching for race points to avoid the punishment of last place. Only unique conditions could favor them, which was the case at Interlagos.
Felipe Nasr, who started from the last row on the grid in 21st position, undoubtedly began with a significant handicap in hopes of moving up in the standings on paper. However, this was without taking into account the capricious weather in Sao Paulo. Thanks to the safety cars and red flags, as well as the strategic choice to stay on rain tires while others opted for intermediates, it allowed the Brazilian to find himself in the top 10, long classified in 6th, then overtaken at the end of the race by Ferrari, Force India, and Red Bull.
What a #BrazilGP – “There is no better feeling than scoring these two important points on home soil.” #FN12 https://t.co/jHXW7uhFMv #F1 pic.twitter.com/37MILRQfIc
— Sauber F1 Team (@SauberF1Team) 13 novembre 2016
At the end of this race, the Sauber driver couldn’t hide his immense joy. He states: I have no words to express how happy I am right now. When I saw today’s weather conditions, I knew there was an opportunity. The opportunity presented itself and I was ready to go for it.
He continues by congratulating his team for the work done in these difficult conditions: « We did an exceptional job today. The team kept me perfectly informed of the track conditions while I tried to convey my sensations to them. It was a tough race, especially as track conditions were very tricky in certain areas. »
The Brazilian concludes his remarks by sharing his feeling of being at home: « In the end, it was just an incredible moment when I saw the fans in the stands applauding me after the checkered flag. There’s no better feeling than scoring these two points in your country. I couldn’t have hoped for a better Sunday for my home race in Brazil. »
What a day, what a race!! Thank you @SauberF1Team for the amazing job! Even better at home🇧🇷 #BrazilianGP #fn12 @F1 pic.twitter.com/InSunSvDBO
— Felipe Nasr (@FelipeNasr) 13 novembre 2016
The progress of the race wasn’t as joyful for Marcus Ericsson, who lost control of his car at the start of the last corner. The disappointment was significant for the Swedish driver: « It was a really disappointing end for me. The track conditions were really challenging. I lost the car on the top of the start-finish line because there was standing water on the track. In the end, I was just a passenger. I was very disappointed. »
However, he does not hesitate to commend the work done by his teammate and is already looking towards the ultimate race of the season: « However, Felipe did an extraordinary job today by scoring these two important points for us. It’s great for everyone on the team. I will fight again for the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi. »
The Sauber team likely saves its season, thanks to these two points scored at Interlagos, and avoids the wooden spoon for last place against Manor. They seem on track to maintain their 10th position as similar conditions and circumstances are unlikely to occur in Abu Dhabi. But who knows, anything is possible.
