Sauber's Marcus Ericsson has struggled since the season got underway, with a retirement in Australia and a drive to a distant place out of the points in China.
While much of everyone's attention at Sauber has been focused on Pascal Wehrlein's difficulties or the impressive than disappointing performance of substitute Antonio Giovinazzi, Ericsson has been doing his best in the background.
Cool temperatures and a diverse set of dodgy conditions in Shanghai forced the Swede to drop away from the rest of the field and finish a lackluster fifteenth.
"The conditions were tricky as well as the asphalt temperatures being relatively low, which made it difficult to get the tyres to work,” said Ericsson.
"Overall, I struggled with the tyres during the whole race – I never really got them into the right working window."
The Sauber driver will be looking for a better environment in Bahrain's desert, where heat and dry conditions are at least guaranteed.
Thinking about Bahrain, I am eager for the first night race of the season,” said Ericsson.
“The track, as well as the surroundings, have a special vibe under the floodlights. It is a spectacular race weekend that I enjoy a lot.
“Overall the circuit is technical and driving-wise not an easy one, but I always looking forward to racing there."
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