Sauber buoyed for more results

The team is taking further upgraded aerodynamics for the C23 to complement the new rear bodywork that made its debut to such startling success at the British Grand Prix.

Fisichella came close to winning at Hockenheim six years ago but was denied the glory after suffering a puncture. While the Italian does not expect to be challenging for the win this weekend, he is confident of producing another strong result.

"I've always had a good feeling at Hockenheim," he said, "and I nearly won my first race there, back in 1997, when I lost because I got a puncture but managed to set fastest lap. I am very optimistic that we will go well there this weekend, after the fantastic performance of the car with its revised rear bodywork at Silverstone.

Team-mate Felipe Massa has only raced at Hockenheim once before and since then the track has been altered, but the Brazilian is certain that with the new introductions to the car he will have a strong weekend.

"I only raced at Hockenheim in 2002, and the new track has a completely different character to the old one with its straights going out through the trees," he said. "For the latest version you need high downforce and good traction out of the slow corners, and overtaking can be difficult. However, there is a good chance at the end of the back straight. We should be in a strong position for next weekend. In addition to the new rear bodywork from Silverstone we will have some more aerodynamic refinements on the car at Hockenheim."