Better qualifying speed key to Sauber improvement - Ericsson

Marcus Ericsson believes Sauber could improve its position in F1's mid-field if it succeeds in unlocking more speed form its C37 in qualifying.

Thanks to Charles Leclerc's efforts last weekend in Baku, the Swiss outfit achieved its best result since 2015.

Team boss Fred Vasseur insisted however that Sauber's car was well-suited to the specific low-drag street circuit thanks to its powerful engine, warning that the story could be very different next week in Barcelona.

Ericsson has focused his attention on the C37's difficulties in coping with Pirelli's softest compounds, a weakness that has weighed on the team's performance in the all-important Saturday afternoon session.

• Change of style at the basis of Leclerc's improved performance

"It’s clear we are struggling more over one lap than on race pace. We are still struggling with the softer compounds," he said.

"I really feel confident that if we have good track position for the race, starting in the mix, we can have strong races.

"That’s for me the main priority now that we need to find an extra bit of performance on Saturday because I really feel on Sundays we have a good car to fight the midfield."

While he was outperformed al weekend by his team mate in Azerbaijan, Ericsson was still buoyed by Leclerc's result which offered a glimpse of Sauber's potential.

"Charles’ pace was really strong compared to the cars around him," he added.

"But obviously these days you need a good starting position. We need to analyse, work hard and analyse how we can take a step on Saturdays.

"Charles did a very good job in qualifying but still I think we are stronger for sure in the race."

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