Adrian Sutil has his eyes firmly set on a podium finish with his new Sauber team next year.
The German driver has yet to score a top three finish despite starting over 100 Grands Prix. He came closest to the champagne at the 2009 Italian Grand Prix where he qualified in second place but slipped to fourth by the end of the race.
After six seasons racing for Force India, Sutil will - for the first time in his F1 career - make the switch to Sauber to replace Nico Hulkenberg. His vacant seat will be taken by Sergio Perez.
The sidestep wasn't a last minute move after finding out his fate at the team that he made his debut for in 2007. Talks with Sauber were on-going for some time before the confirmation of his move.
"Yes, I felt that it was time for a change and we worked hard for it for months to make it happen," he told the official Formula 1 website. "It will be an interesting experience to see how another team goes about things."
When asked about whether the negotiations took place close to the announcement, he replied: "No, we were in contact for a long time. As I just said, it had been my wish to have a change after six good years with Force India - and Sauber was my priority. My Manager has been in contact with them since autumn - and around that time I visited the factory in Hinwil for the first time."
He leaves Force India with fond memories, particularly after the team gave him the chance to return to F1 after a year out: "I have had a good and successful time with Force India. They gave me the chance to come back - and this fact will always have a special place in my heart.
"For sure I will miss some of the guys there that have turned into friends over the years, but now I’m excited to be with my new team. Let’s see if it is true that new brooms sweep clean."
But what is the target for 2014? Sutil wants to stand on the podium next season and is optimistic that it will be possible. "I’m convinced that we will have a successful time - and I’m looking very much forward to my first podium," he said. "Sauber have had some podiums in the past and that is exactly what I want."
However, he has yet to take a look at Sauber's car for next season and says the new regulation changes - including double points for the season finale and permanent numbers - have to be taken "as it comes."
Living in Switzerland and driving for a Swiss team sounds pretty convenient, doesn't it? "Yes, because it will be an easy one to visit. And the real luxury is that the factory is just an hour’s drive from my home. So I will be there quite often."
He will now take a break over the Christmas period, recharging his batteries before making plenty of trips to Hinwil in the New Year.
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| (c) Octane Photographic |
After six seasons racing for Force India, Sutil will - for the first time in his F1 career - make the switch to Sauber to replace Nico Hulkenberg. His vacant seat will be taken by Sergio Perez.
The sidestep wasn't a last minute move after finding out his fate at the team that he made his debut for in 2007. Talks with Sauber were on-going for some time before the confirmation of his move.
"Yes, I felt that it was time for a change and we worked hard for it for months to make it happen," he told the official Formula 1 website. "It will be an interesting experience to see how another team goes about things."
When asked about whether the negotiations took place close to the announcement, he replied: "No, we were in contact for a long time. As I just said, it had been my wish to have a change after six good years with Force India - and Sauber was my priority. My Manager has been in contact with them since autumn - and around that time I visited the factory in Hinwil for the first time."
He leaves Force India with fond memories, particularly after the team gave him the chance to return to F1 after a year out: "I have had a good and successful time with Force India. They gave me the chance to come back - and this fact will always have a special place in my heart.
"For sure I will miss some of the guys there that have turned into friends over the years, but now I’m excited to be with my new team. Let’s see if it is true that new brooms sweep clean."
But what is the target for 2014? Sutil wants to stand on the podium next season and is optimistic that it will be possible. "I’m convinced that we will have a successful time - and I’m looking very much forward to my first podium," he said. "Sauber have had some podiums in the past and that is exactly what I want."
However, he has yet to take a look at Sauber's car for next season and says the new regulation changes - including double points for the season finale and permanent numbers - have to be taken "as it comes."
Living in Switzerland and driving for a Swiss team sounds pretty convenient, doesn't it? "Yes, because it will be an easy one to visit. And the real luxury is that the factory is just an hour’s drive from my home. So I will be there quite often."
He will now take a break over the Christmas period, recharging his batteries before making plenty of trips to Hinwil in the New Year.
1 comment:
It's a shame that Paul didn't get the seat as I feel he is a better driver than Sutil. Good luck to him though, but I don't think a podium is something Sutil will achieve.
I also wish more F1 drivers would state how stupid some of the new rules are. Grow a pair.
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