Sauber Drivers Upbeat About New Car

German Heinz-Harald Frentzen is upbeat about the prospects of driving the new Sauber C22, and said the new machine from the Swiss outfit has a lot of potential.

"The C22 has an excellent balance, responding to any changes in the setup exactly the way I expect as a driver," said Frentzen at the official launch of the car in Zurich. "I'm convinced that this car has a very high potential."

Frentzen made his Formula One debut with Sauber back in 1994 and stayed for a further two seasons before joining Williams, Jordan, Prost and Arrows. The German returns to the Hinwil-based outfit this season, and will partner fellow German Nick Heidfeld.

Team boss Peter Sauber is delighted to have Frentzen back at the team and said: "He has not lost any of his speed but has gained a lot of experience."

Frentzen and teammate Heidfeld have already tested the Petronas-powered C22 in Spain, and Heidfeld, in his third season with the team, says the new car is capable of fighting for the points on a regular basis.

"Although the C22 is new in practically every detail, the car has been running with absolute perfection right from the start," said Heidfeld. "That's the right basis for scoring points regularly."