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We'll be more competitive in Australia - de la Rosa

Both Saubers were uncompetitive in Bahrain before retiring © Getty Images

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• Race:
• Australian Grand Prix

• Championship:
• FIA Formula One World Championship

• Drivers:
• Kamui Kobayashi
• |
• Pedro de la Rosa

• Teams:
• Alfa Romeo

Pedro de la Rosa is expecting Sauber to be more competitive in Melbourne after a disappointing start to the season in Bahrain.

Sauber showed good form in pre-season testing and was tipped as a serious contender behind the four front runners heading into the opening round. However, when the team reached Bahrain de la Rosa could only manage 14th on the grid, while his team-mate Kamui Kobayashi lined up 16th. In the race both cars retired with hydraulic leaks after running outside the top ten. De la Rosa is keen to put that performance behind him and is confident he will put in a better showing next weekend in Australia.

"I'm very much looking forward to this grand prix," he said. "I really want our performance in Bahrain to be forgotten. I believe we will be more competitive in Melbourne. Reliability was never an issue in testing, and it was very unlucky that we retired with both cars in Bahrain. Albert Park is a difficult track with many chicanes, stop and go corners and bumps. As it is not a permanent race track it changes significantly over the weekend. This makes it important to read the track properly in order to deal with the grip level. It will not be easy for us in Australia and we need to work hard to be able to fight for points."

Kobayashi is also expecting a better result despite having no real experience on the Albert Park circuit.

"For sure I hope we will be more competitive in Melbourne than we were in Bahrain - we just have to be," he said. "I only know the track from the Toyota simulator which I have been in after the race in Bahrain. I like the lay-out of the Albert Park Circuit, and I also like Melbourne as a place. I have been there twice as a reserve driver. The city is great and the spectators are true fans, so I can't wait to race in front of that crowd."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.