Sergio Perez says Sauber better prepared for 2012

The Mexican felt his team could be very satisfied with its winter work, as it appeared to be among a tight group of midfield cars fighting for points.

"I think we know our car a lot better than we did last year at the start of the season," he said. "We know of course that Melbourne will be a surprise for everybody, it was like that every day [in testing] I think, but we more or less know where we are going to be and how competitive we are."

Perez said he was not exactly sure where Sauber stands, only that it was getting a lot out of its package already.

"The performance side, we don't know where we are, but I am happy with the balance and happy with how things went and I think we are reaching our top level in terms of set-up and we are at a very good point to start to the season," he said.

He acknowledged that Sauber's form had tailed off in 2011 after an encouraging start, but does not think that will be the case this time.

"Of course, if we remember last year we started very well and then we went down," Perez admitted.

"The team is doing a good job and I think we are in a good way to keep developing our car and be in the points as much as possible."