Peter Sauber not ruling out a victory during 2012 Formula 1 season

Perez recovered from 15th position on the grid to finish within a few seconds of race winner Lewis Hamilton in Montreal, after a performance which highlighted the strength of the C31 package in the right conditions.

And with Sauber convinced that his car is better than previous results had suggested, he reckons that more podiums - and even a win - could be on the cards.

"If we manage to exploit our full potential as a team, in other words get everything right from Friday morning to Sunday evening, a great deal is possible," said Sauber in an interview released by the team on Thursday.

"After seven races it is patently clear that the C31 can be fast on virtually any kind of track."

When asked about the possibility of a victory, Sauber said: "Before the season I don't suppose anyone would have put that question to me. But now, after seven races with seven different winners, so much seems possible.

"In Malaysia we came very close to winning. Further podium places certainly seem a realistic prospect. The prerequisite of course is that our drivers go into the race from good grid positions."

Sauber has historically not been able to match the expensive development programmes of rival teams, but the signs are that this season things are working much better.

"Of course the four big teams have very different financial possibilities compared to the private teams in the middle of the pack. But that doesn't in any way discourage us," he said.

"Our forte is efficiency. The development package that was given its first airing in Barcelona showed what we are capable of. The crucial thing is that the C31 gives us an excellent foundation with real potential for further development."