Sauber Relieved to Finish Fifth

Team boss Peter Sauber was glad to be able to keep fifth place in the Constructors' Championship despite failing to score any points at the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Swiss squad finished two points ahead of Jordan in the standings despite Japan's Takuma Sato helping the British squad gaining two places with a fifth position at Suzuka today. German Nick Heidfeld was the only man from the Hinwil-based outfit to cross under the chequered flag today, just missing out on a point-scoring position after finishing in seventh.

"I am relieved that we were able to retain our fifth place in the World Championship for Constructors," said Sauber, celebrating his birthday today. "Looking at the season overall, Sauber deserved this result.

"We were not competitive enough in the last part of the year to continue our fight for fourth place, but given the intensity of the competition we should not be disappointed.

"I want to thank the entire team for creating such a reliable car and for the marvelous job they have done throughout this season. We are already working hard on the C22 for 2003, and will incorporate all the valuable lessons we have learned this year."

Brazilian Felipe Massa, competing in his final race for the Sauber team, was unable to end his rookie season with a good result after going off the track with only three laps of the race completed. Massa, however, was thankful to Sauber for the opportunity to debut in F1.

"I got my car over the kerb exiting the Degner Curve and then I lost a bit of downforce as I was right behind Villeneuve so I just couldn't get back on the road," said Massa. "I'm disappointed to finish my last race for the team this way, but I would like to say thank you to Peter Sauber for the opportunity to race in Formula One this year, and to all my engineers and mechanics for their help and support."