• Sauber news

'A great deal is possible' - Sauber

Sergio Perez secured his second podium finish in the last six races in Canada © Press Association

Enlarge

Related Links

• Drivers:
• Sergio Perez
• |
• Peter Sauber

• Teams:
• Alfa Romeo

Sauber team principal Peter Sauber believes that "a great deal is possible" for the team in 2012 due to the competitiveness of the C31.

Sergio Perez delivered his and the team's second podium finish of the season in Canada on Sunday, finishing third to follow up his second place in Malaysia. Sauber said that while he wasn't expecting such a result due to Perez's starting position, he knew that the car was much better than recent results had suggested and that it could be competitive anywhere.

"Of course it was a surprise that Sergio managed to advance from 15th on the grid to a third-placed finish in a perfectly normal race, without rain and without any safety car periods," Sauber said. "But basically we knew the Sauber C31 was far better than the results of the last few GPs might have suggested. Our performance in Barcelona and Monaco fell well short of our capability. We had the potential in both races to be right up in front, but things just didn't fall into place.

"If we manage to exploit our full potential as a team, in other words get everything right from Friday morning to Sunday evening, a great deal is possible. After seven races it is patently clear that the C31 can be fast on virtually any kind of track."

When asked if a victory could be on the cards for the team this season, Sauber attempted to control expectations but hinted it could be possible.

"Before the season I don't suppose anyone would have put that question to me. But now, after seven races with seven different winners, so much seems possible. In Malaysia we came very close to winning. Further podium places certainly seem a realistic prospect. The prerequisite of course is that our drivers go into the race from good grid positions."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.