Sauber could struggle at Spa with new start procedure - Nasr

Felipe Nasr believes Sauber's lack of a simulator could handicap the team's efforts to adapt to the new clutch-start procedure which will come in force at the Belgian Grand Prix.

The FIA has implemented a new rule by which the clutch bite point may not be changed from the moment a car leaves the garage for the first time after the pitlane is opened until after the race has started.

“The lack of simulator is a down factor, for sure, and the team is aware of that, which is why we’re trying to think about something next year," Nasr told Autosport.

“There is a lot you can practice before a race weekend on the simulator, so it obviously takes a bit longer to learn a new track.”

Absence the virtual opportunity to simulate, Sauber allocated time in free practice in Hungary to address the clutch bite point procedure with its drivers.

“It’s going to be difficult to have the perfect start without all the information from behind, but then it will be the same for everybody. All we are looking for is consistency; it doesn’t need to be the best. It’s easier to get it wrong than to get it perfect, so as long as we have a standard, that’s good."

“But at a time like this I would love to have a simulator, to try these things.”

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