Jun.13 (GMM) The Ferrari-powered C31 is the best car in Sauber's long history, according to team founder, boss and majority owner Peter Sauber.

The Swiss team made its grand prix debut with Mercedes' support in 1993 and even won a race during the recent era of BMW ownership.

But the white and grey C31 is the best yet, Sauber said, after Sergio Perez returned to the podium in last weekend's Canadian grand prix.

Some in F1 circles, however, have largely overlooked Sauber's strength in 2012.

"It's true, we have to improve in qualifying," Peter Sauber, 68, told the Swiss newspaper Blick.

In March, Mexican Perez finished second behind race winner Fernando Alonso.

Sauber commented: "For me, this result (Canada) is more valuable than the second place in Malaysia.

"Canada was a completely normal race -- no rain, no safety car, and the only retirement (in front of Perez) was Schumacher.

"I repeat: Hinwil has built the best car we have had since entering formula one in 1993," Sauber insisted.

"75 per cent of the success is solely in the area of aerodynamics, and we are now the envy of most of our opponents."

It is with frustration, then, that Sauber contemplates Bahrain and Monaco, where Perez and Kamui Kobayashi failed to score even a single point.

"It's annoying," he said, "because the C31 is ideal for all types of circuit. We are competitive everywhere."

Asked if the drivers are a weakness, Sauber answered: "That is a difficult question.

"Kobayashi is a great guy. I love his attitude and he will have success with us."

And referring to Perez's occasional mistakes, Sauber explained: "Well, Sergio is fast and he's easy on the tyres. In your second year you can still make mistakes, but that doesn't mean we have to like it!" he smiled.

Nevertheless, Sauber is currently sixth in the ultra-competitive 2012 championship.

"To be within striking distance of the silver arrows (Mercedes) is a good feeling," he admitted.

Latest F1 News - Mobile version

26 Feb: New Ferrari not quickest in field - Domenicali 26 Feb: Red Bull still best in 2013 - Tost 26 Feb: 2014 French grand prix 'possible' - Prost 26 Feb: Danica Patrick 'not interested' in F1 switch 26 Feb: Report - Gilles Simon working on F1 engine for Honda 26 Feb: Gutierrez plays down link to Carlos Slim 26 Feb: Caterham exhaust 'legal' insists van der Garde 26 Feb: McLaren replaces Mercedes-bound Lowe 25 Feb: 'Engine maps' trouble for Red Bull, Lotus - report 25 Feb: Mercedes-bound Lowe to miss 2013 opener - report 25 Feb: Mercedes 'in group of teams' behind Red Bull - Lauda 25 Feb: Gutierrez expects Hulkenberg to beat him early in 2013 25 Feb: New Ferrari 'much better' than 2012 - Massa 25 Feb: Teams 'will adapt' to new tyre situation - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Tight rules make today's F1 cars 'the same' - Forghieri 25 Feb: Williams removes controversial exhaust trick 25 Feb: Contract 'conflicts' cause of Marussia test snub - Razia 25 Feb: Lotus to fight Red Bull for title - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Marussia 'ahead of Caterham' - Chilton 25 Feb: Sutil will not stay in F1 as test driver The latest F1 News - Mobile Version

F1 News  F1 Schedule  F1 Line-up  Constructors' Championship  Drivers' Championship  F1 Tickets  Live F1 Coverage

Full Version: Formula 1 News  Formula 1 Schedule  Formula 1 Line-up  Constructors' Championship  Drivers' Championship  Live F1 Coverage  10 'n' Pole  F1 Regulations  The Forums  Motorsport Shop  F1 Merchandise  F1 Tickets  F1 Diecast  F1 Videos  F1 Games