Sauber Kick Off Two-Day Test at Monza

The Sauber team kicked off today a two-day test at the Monza circuit in Italy, with German Nick Heidfeld at the wheel of the Petronas-powered C22.

Heidfeld, who failed to finish Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix due to a mechanical problem in his car, covered a total of 79 laps, posting a quickest time of 1:23.605. The team concentrated on aerodynamic work, testing some new components used for the first time at Interlagos.

"Our test programme for today basically comprised working on tyre data and testing the new aerodynamic parts," said Sauber's race engineer Remi Decorzent. "We have covered a lot of laps to gain comprehensive test results. The new aerodynamic parts, which have been used in Sao Paulo last weekend needed further checks.

"Therefore, we focus these days also particularly on an improvement of the aerodynamic of the car. Being in Monza it suggested itself to do the race configuration of Monza too. The track is very fast and consequently requires very low downforce.

"Tomorrow we plan to conduct tyre and aerodynamic tests regarding the Montreal race, which we are hoping will give us valuable data for a best possible preparation. Overall we are happy with what we have done today and confident that this test will further improve our performance."