Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsSauber

Expectations remain low for Nasr and Sauber

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Sauber's low-key start to the 2016 season which saw both its drivers struggle for speed and performance in Australia may bear for the Swiss team on in Bahrain.

Although Felipe Nasr saw the checkered flag in Melbourne, the Brazilian was stumped by the handling of the C35 chassis and its overall lack of pace, disadvantages which look to stick with Sauber at Sakhir this weekend.

"The Bahrain Grand Prix is a special race weekend for me," Nasr admitted however. "Having Lebanese roots from my grandfather, I have always liked being in the Middle East.

"For me as a driver it is nice to not only get huge support from Brazil, but also from where we are. The track itself is great fun to drive and to race at night makes the event even more special."

Support from his fans may not boost the Brazilian's prospects however given the Hinwill-based outfit's current performance level.

"To be honest we are lacking pace on the car, we are lacking a lot of performance compared to our other competitors," he recently explained to Autosport.

"There was no way we could have finished the race in the points. It was way too far for that, which means we have a lot of work to do.

"Hopefully we can bring updates as soon as possible. There are many areas we should improve because we are talking pure, pure performance."

Unfortunately, Nasr isn't expecting substantial progress any time soon which will only increase the gap with rival teams which will evolve.

"We are going to be facing some difficulties until we do get this car updated, and I mean bring more downforce to the car, setting it up right and getting a proper rhythm on everything.

"There are still some things we can do, homework, and hopefully we can bring this performance back to the car and try to fight for the upper places on the grid."

"For sure, they [the other teams] have taken a much bigger step than we thought. There is a lot to catch-up on our side, and on the financial side we are still struggling on that.

"But hopefully we can make up on things. We need to start adding more performance in the car. That is what we are looking for."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.