Kobayashi aiming to stretch points run

The Japanese has finished in the top 10 in every race so far this season, although he was disqualified from seventh on the road in Australia.

Despite the Sauber C30 struggling in slow corners throughout the year, he believes that the team is improving in that area.

"Yes, I think so," he said when asked by AUTOSPORT whether this is the track he has been least confident about so far this year.

"But it should go okay. Compared to last year, in the [slower] last sector at Barcelona, we were much better than the year before. So we are better in the slow-speed corners.

"Last year, we had to retire with a gearbox problem, but otherwise we would have finished in the points. That's why I am confident."

Kobayashi believes that bad luck has shrouded Sauber's potential this season. In Spain last weekend, he finished 10th after dropping to last place with a first lap puncture, while in Turkey he finished in the same position after starting at the back of the field following a fuel system problem.

"You would be surprised, I think," said Kobayashi on where he could have finished had he not had to fight his way up the order. "You can calculate. It is really good.

"Australia was unlucky, but from that race I've always been in the points, so I am pretty happy with the season so far.

"I had bad luck in Spain and Turkey, but was still able to score points. We were competitive."