Saturday: The Saubers are not on pace
Nico Hülkenberg and Esteban Gutiérrez expected to suffer this weekend in Bahrain, and they were right. Hülkenberg failed to make it into the top 10 after qualifying, and Gutiérrez will start from the last position on the grid tomorrow, but with many new tires. Both Sauber drivers hope to climb up and fight for points.
Nico Hülkenberg – 10th and 14th:
We knew it would be difficult to enter Q3 today. However, I expected to be able to start closer to the top 10. The car felt good during free practice this morning, but then the wind changed, and it seemed very sensitive to it. I think we will have a long race tomorrow, especially because we are not on pace on this track, but we will fight to achieve the best possible result.
Esteban Gutiérrez – 22nd and 18th [22nd on the grid]:
« It is not a good feeling to start last, but we knew this weekend would be difficult. Our speed has not been good this weekend. It was important to have a clean qualifying session today, but I did my best and this is what we have. It was a disadvantage to prepare for the race during free practice 3 because I didn’t drive enough with low fuel and new tires during practice. However, it was important because the data will help us prepare the strategy for tomorrow’s race. »