Sauber sure beating Mercedes to fifth place is still possible

Although Sauber failed to score any points in the previous race in Korea, the Swiss squad is still within striking distance of Mercedes, 20 points ahead with four races to go.

Mercedes has not scored any points in the last two grands prix.

Sauber CEO Monisha Kaltenborn believes her team has every reason to be proud of what it has achieved so far, but she is convinced that catching Mercedes is still possible.

"With four podium places and now 116 world championship points, we can certainly be proud of our achievements so far as a private team," said Kaltenborn.

"Of course there have been races where things didn't go to plan and we forfeited valuable points.

"Our car is a great success and has proved competitive on virtually any kind of circuit. Some describe it as one of the best cars on the grid. Now it's a matter of carrying the impetus forward into the remaining four races.

"Our ambitious goal remains to finish fifth in the constructors' championship. And I have the utmost confidence both in our team at Hinwil and in the crew at the track along with our two drivers."

The team has scored four podiums this year - three with Sergio Perez and one with Kamui Kobayashi - and Kaltenborn admits the Japanese's drive to third place at Suzuka has been the highlight of her season.

"To answer that I'm going to have to take off my sober, objective hat for a moment: it was just so emotional when Kamui finished third in Japan," she said.