Sauber look to continue in good form after the summer break. In what was the 300th Grand Prix for Peter Sauber’s team both drivers finished in the points for the first time this year: Pedro de la Rosa came seventh in the last race at the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest while his team mate Kamui Kobayashi finished ninth having started from 23rd on the grid.

The form of the two drivers has improved immensely over the season so far, which is down mostly to the team sorting the problems out with the car.

The team have finally started to challenge the other teams in the race, although problems are still occurring in qualifying, which was obvious as Kobayashi is constantly having problems and is always near the back markers come race day. Now that the season is reaching the home stretch, the team will be hoping to get the car up to standards to challenge in more races next season, and the summer break, although frustrating for the drivers in form, is a good break for the team.

This weekend sees the historic Belgium Grand Prix return to the Spa track that has hosted so many thrilling races over the years. This year, Spa is the 13th of 19 races in the F1 calendar and as we see the last 7 races of the season, it will be the time for Sauber, Renault, Mercedes and Williams to make sure they get one foot in front of the front runners as Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull battle it out for the World Championship, both individual and constructors’ tables are lead by the three teams.

The team’s two drivers seem to be enjoying racing the car now, and after the poor start to his Sauber career, young Japanese driver Kobayashi is relishing his chance to shine around this illustrious track;

“I have had good experiences racing in Formula Renault and GP2 in Spa-Francorchamps. It is a great track for a driver, and really exciting! That is mainly because of its high speed corners. Plus the views you get from the circuit being integrated into the natural landscape are exceptional. I am quite sure our car will be good in these fast corners. Perhaps it won’t be so good on the straight, but let’s wait and see how it goes when we all get back refreshed after the summer break. What always worries me a bit is the weather in Spa. It can be very unpredictable and include heavy rain in some parts of the circuit, while it is dry in others.”

One of the oldest, and more experienced drivers on the other hand is team mate. Pedro De La Rosa is the second oldest driver in F1 and it is noticeable he has enjoyed the most successful time in F1 in the past 5 years. It is noticeable that De La Rosa has the potential and experience to be involved in race weekends, but it has been unfortunate that the car hasn’t been as reliable as it should and could’ve.

After finishing a season’s best 7th in Hungary the team will be hopeful of continuing the good form of late, he is also looking forward to getting back on the track after the summer break;

“It is a long time since I have raced in Spa, but it is a circuit you hardly ever forget. It is extremely challenging with the high speed corners. Eau Rouge nowadays will be flat out, and at the end of the following straight there is a good overtaking possibility. The track is extremely nice to drive and when it rains it becomes even more exciting. I think for a typical Spa weekend you have to have rain at some point. Racing in Spa is all about rhythm, as you need to keep the cornering speed very high. I enjoyed the holiday break, but I must say I prefer this after the end of the season. I did a lot of sports and can’t wait to go racing again, especially as our car is getting better and better. I am desperately looking forward to hunting for some more championship points.”

PREDICTION FOR RACE RESULT

1. Fernando Alonso

2. Jenson Button

3. Mark Webber

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