Sauber: Sixth is team's best showing yet

"I rate this sixth place in the championship almost as highly as our fourth position two years ago," said Sauber. "In 2001, Toyota was not present and not all the works teams were not really sorted out.

"This has changed drastically. With seven car manufacturers being seriously involved, competition has reached a level which is simply unbelievable. We are talking about global players that generate turnovers between US$50 billion and US$150 billion annually.

"It's extremely satisfying that Sauber as an independent team was able to beat two of these big car manufacturers."

Sauber's championship status was hugely improved by their double points-finish at the penultimate race in changeable conditions as Indianapolis, but the team boss doesn't believe it was down to good fortune.

"It would not be right to call that just luck. In this game you make your own luck. It was a reward for all the people in the team who never gave up working on the car, and also both drivers who did a fabulous job. By the way, Indy was the first time a Sauber has led a Grand Prix.

The team hopes its new wind tunnel that is scheduled to be completed in February will provide a major boost in aerodynamic development. The facility is being built on the team's factory premises at Hinwil in Switzerland.