David and Goliath
Just like in Australia, Sauber's drivers both brought their car home in the points, surrounding Ricciardo in 8th and 10th position. My former team is currently fourth in the constructors standings, in front of Red Bull!
The C34 chassis, which is derived from last year's car, is certainly good but the big step forward has obviously come from the power increase over the winter of Ferrari's 059/4 unit (the top ten engines on Sunday's grid included five Mercedes engines, four V6 Ferrari's and one Renault power unit). I would also like to emphasize Marcus Ericsson's great form in qualifying which he finished just behind Felipe Nasr. That was a great achievement for a driver whose talent many appeared to doubt.
I do hope Sauber will be in a position to follow a sustained development rate, which its aerodynamic upgrades seem to confirm. Given its limited budget, I doubt the team will remain much longer in front of Red Bull or Toro Rosso unfortunately, but it may be able to keep Lotus at bay. The most important evolutions usually appear at the start of the European campaign, at the Spanish Grand Prix. That's where we'll see if the small outfit can maintain its rank.
Jacky Eeckelaert was talking to Nicolas Carpentiers
