17/06/2016
NEWS STORY
In the practice sessions ahead of the European Grand Prix on the new Baku City Circuit, the Sauber F1 Team was able to run a total of 89 laps despite having issues on both Sauber C35-Ferraris. In FP1 Felipe Nasr (49 laps) had issues with a set of tyres. Due to an exhaust problem, the mechanics had to change the power unit of Marcus Ericsson's car between FP1 and FP2. Nevertheless, the Swede was able to run 40 laps. All in all, both drivers have a good impression about the Formula One debut on the Baku City Circuit in the capital of Azerbaijan.
Marcus Ericsson: "First of all, it was a great job by the guys to do the engine change between FP1 and FP2 because of the exhaust problem we had. As I did not miss that much time in FP2, I was able to run a good amount of laps. I was struggling a bit more in FP2, but I had a good feeling and continued to learn this new track. Every lap is important, so it felt like I took some good steps from lap to lap. Overall a busy day for all of us, but we learned a lot and go into tomorrow with a positive mindset."
Felipe Nasr: "Overall, it was important today to get into a good rhythm on this new track. In FP1 we had an issue on the second set of tyres. The rear left tyre got damaged, so for safety reasons I could not continue. Therefore, I lost a bit of track time towards the end of FP1. Nevertheless, I was able to recover quite well in FP2, altough the lap time does not show that. As I ran the practice engine, I should gain a bit more lap time on the straights with the race engine as of tomorrow. The track layout is very much dominated by a good top speed, so I am confident the timesheets will look better tomorrow."
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