Our Drivers Make Us Competitive, Says Sauber

The talents of German driver Nick Heidfeld and young Finn Kimi Raikkonen are the main reason why the Sauber team are so competitive this year, according to team boss Peter Sauber.

The Swiss team are enjoying one of their best campaigns since they joined the Formula One field back in 1993, lying in fifth position in the Constructors' Championship only one point behind Jordan and six behind Williams.

With twelve points in six races, and their first podium finish since 1998 thanks to Heidfeld's performance in Brazil, Sauber are on their way to improve their 1995 season, when they scored 18 points.

Team boss Peter Sauber believes their performance this season is a reflection of his drivers' speed.

"If we are as competitive as we are at this point of the season is because of our drivers," Sauber told ANSA. "Last year I talked to Jenson Button's manager in order to hire him. He told me he already had a contract with Benetton, but I discovered there was a young driver who was more promising than Button, Raikkonen."

Heidfeld joined Sauber after a nightmare debut season with the Prost team in 2000, while 21-year old rookie Raikkonen joined the Swiss outfit after clinching the British Formula Renault Championship.