Ericsson ‘excited’ ahead of Brazil debut

Marcus Ericsson is excited to make his Brazilian Grand Prix debut this weekend, after he had to miss last year’s Interlagos race due to his former squad Caterham entering administration.

The Swede found refuge at Sauber over the winter and has already been confirmed alongside team-mate Felipe Nasr for 2016. Despite having not scored for over two months, Ericsson hopes the pair can secure Sauber’s first double top-10 finish since last March's Malaysian Grand Prix.

“It is exciting going to Brazil, as it will be my first time racing in Sao Paulo,” he said. “Of course, as a team we will do our very best with the objective being that Felipe and I will finish the race in the points. That would be a great achievement for everyone.

“From what I have seen on videos as well as on the data, traction is really important on this track. The first corner is also crucial, as you need to carry the speed when going onto the back straight. Therefore, it is important to have a well balanced car.”

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In order to achieve such feat, Ericsson could well rely on the venue’s unpredictable nature and tendency to throw up wild races.

“The circuit at Interlagos offers a relatively high amount of challenges, considering the short lap distance,” said Sauber head of track engineering Giampaolo Dall’Ara.

“Trading the demand for speed on the two long straights with the stability and grip requirements of the infield will be challenging for both the drivers and engineers.

“Moreover, the ever changeable weather often adds to that challenge at this time of the year. The choice of medium and soft tyres is going to boost the show further, allowing some freedom with the strategies.”

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