• Malaysian Grand Prix - FP2
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Gearbox problem leaves Kobayashi with work to do

ESPNF1 Staff
March 23, 2012 « Red Bull closer to McLaren in Malaysia - Vettel | Cut tyre limits Grosjean running »
Kamui Kobayashi sat out of a large part of second practice while Sauber worked on his car © Sutton Images
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Kamui Kobayashi has admitted he has his work cut out to find the right balance ahead of qualifying for the Malaysian Grand Prix after missing out on track time due to a gearbox problem in second practice.

The Sauber driver completed just 16 laps in the afternoon session as his mechanics removed the gearbox and rear wing assembly from his car to investigate. He got back out again before the chequered flag but warned that he still has plenty of work to do ahead of qualifying.

"It was the first time we have used the 2012 tyres in such high temperatures and the degradation is quite significant," he said. "Probably this had an impact as well, but in any case we struggled with the balance of the car quite a lot today. We will have to improve for qualifying and the race, but I'm sure we can do that. It was a shame that I lost so much track time in the second session because of the gearbox problem, but these things happen."

Team-mate Sergio Pérez also struggled to find a balance and hinted that the Sauber would be stronger in the race than in qualifying.

"It was a difficult day in terms of setting up the car and getting the balance right. It was better on long runs than on single laps. We managed to achieve some improvements for the second free practice and now we will be looking carefully at the data tonight."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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