ALFA ROMEO SAUBER F1 TEAM 2018

30.09.2018 BOTH ALFA ROMEO SAUBER DRIVERS THROUGH TO Q3 FOR FIRST TIME THIS YEAR

CHARLES LECLERC - ALFA ROMEO SAUBER F1 TEAM, RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX, SOCHI, 2018
CHARLES LECLERC - ALFA ROMEO SAUBER F1 TEAM, RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX, SOCHI, 2018
CHARLES LECLERC - ALFA ROMEO SAUBER F1 TEAM, RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX, SOCHI, 2018

The Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team got both its cars through to the Q3 session for the first time this year in yesterday’s qualifying session at the Sochi Autodrom with Charles Leclerc (top and middle) setting the P7 time and Marcus Ericsson in P10. Meanwhile Antonio Giovinazzi (bottom) had another run out for the team during Friday's FP1 session.

The Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team got both its cars through to the Q3 session for the first time this year in yesterday’s qualifying session at the Sochi Autodrom with Charles Leclerc setting the P7 time and Marcus Ericsson in P10. That sets the team up well for this afternoon’s Russian Grand Prix.

The weekend actually started on Friday with the FP1 and FP2 sessions and the challenging track saw the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team getting off to a good start with strong performances and the drivers fighting for positions amongst the upper midfield positions.

During FP1 young Italian driver Antonio Giovinazzi took over the cockpit from Marcus Ericsson, to complete his third FP1 session with the team this season. Currently the Swiss team's third driver, Giovinazzi was confirmed just last week to be joining full time next year alongside new signing Kimi Raikkonen.

The Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team finished the FP1 session with P10 (Giovinazzi) and P14 (Leclerc). Both drivers were discovering the Sochi Autodrom for the first time in their careers and did excellent jobs in getting up to speed.

With the track conditions improving throughout Friday, Ericsson took over his cockpit for FP2, heading into the session feeling confident, despite having missed the first free practice session.

Ericsson put in a strong performance, and finished in P10. Leclerc finished the second free practice session in P13, and focused on becoming familiar with the challenges of the Russian circuit.

Then it was on to yesterday’s FP3 and qualifying sessions. The tricky Sochi Autodrom, which challenges teams and drivers to find the ideal car set-up and manage tyres on the low-grip surface, saw both drivers complete the sessions on hypersoft tyres. 

Rookie Leclerc drove his first ever qualifying session on the Russian circuit, achieving his personal best, and the team’s best result of the season so far, with a P7 start position. Marcus Ericsson also did a great job, finishing in the top-ten. It was the first time since the Chinese Grand Prix in 2015 that Sauber got both cars into Q3.

However, the results were distorted somewhat as the Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Renault teams all sat out the Q2 qualifying session allowing Leclerc and Ericsson to gain places they wouldn’t have expected to make. The Sauber drivers will have to look out for these teams – particularly Red Bull – pushing through from further down the grid when the lights turn green this afternoon.

Heading into today’s race from the upper midfield, the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team is optimistic about the outcome of the grand prix and is targeting both cars scoring points to add further to its tally. Getting Leclerc into the points at the end of the Russian Grand Prix should be a very strong possibility but much less so for Ericsson who will have the Red Bull and Renault cars breathing down his neck.

Marcus Ericsson

C37 (Chassis 03/Ferrari)
Qualifying: 10th in Q3 (1:34.170 min / hypersoft tyres)
2nd practice: 10th / 1:35.295 (35 laps) / 3rd practice: 15th (1:35.370 min / hypersoft tyres / 16 laps)

“It is an excellent achievement for the team to have both cars finish qualifying in Q3. We have been strong all weekend, and should have a good chance to score some points tomorrow, which is great. I am confident for the race, and look forward to fighting for a good result.”

Charles Leclerc

C37 (Chassis 02/Ferrari)
Qualifying: 7th in Q3 (1:33.924 min / hypersoft tyres)
1st practice: 14th / 1:37.054 min (24 laps) / 2nd practice: 13th / 1:35.432 min (32 laps) / 3rd practice: 7th (1:34.628 min / hypersoft tyres / 15 laps)

“I am very happy. We have made a good step forward since yesterday, and I improved my driving quite a bit. It is great to see the hard work that we have put in this weekend pay off on track. P7 is my best starting position so far this season, so I look forward to the race.”

Antonio Giovinazzi

C37 (Chassis 03/Ferrari)
1st practice: 10th / 1:36.712 min (22 laps)

“It was great to be back in the car and FP1 was a good session overall. We went through the planned programme, and I could give my feedback to the team after the session. My second run was on the hypersoft tyre compound. The track was improving and I am happy with my lap. I am looking forward to driving again.”

Photos: Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team - 2018 FIA F1 World Championship

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