We are Not Ready to Win Yet, Says Sauber

The Sauber team are not ready to win races this year despite enjoying their best season in Formula One 2001, according to team boss Peter Sauber

Sauber finished in fourth place in the Constructors' Championship in 2001 thanks to the efforts of German Nick Heidfeld and Finn Kimi Raikkonen. But with Ferrari seemingly having the best car available and enjoying the services of champion Michael Schumacher, Sauber's sights are more likely to be set on catching McLaren and Williams.

The wily Swiss team leader, celebrating the first decade of his team, said he was keeping his feet on the ground and noted teams like his need luck to beat the sport's big three.

"I do not think that at the moment our team can win on its own force, not yet," Sauber said. "We know that we are aiming high. We achieved an optimum result in 2001. From our point of view it was even a maximum. We will do our utmost to keep up last year's performance."

Heidfeld will continue at the Swiss team this season, but he will be partnered by Brazilian rookie Felipe Massa. Sauber have provided Massa with masseur Joseph Lieberer who was a personal aide to Senna. His services have been needed after testing as the sheer acceleration power of the engine prompts neckaches.

"Ayrton Senna is in my heart. He was the past, we are in the present," Massa said during the presentation of the new car today. "My immediate aim is to gain experience and to finish the race. Then I will go and try to win points."