Kobayashi: Sauber will have pace

Kamui Kobayashi is “very confident” Sauber will have pace in Malaysia as they chase their first points of the campaign…

Kamui Kobayashi is “very confident” Sauber will have pace in Malaysia as they chase their first points of the campaign.

Kobayashi and his team-mate Sergio Perez had a great start to the season, finishing eighth and seventh respectively in Australia.

But hours after the grand prix, they were both disqualified and stripped of their points after stewards declared their Sauber C30 illegal on a technical infringement.

Despite the disappointment of losing their 10 World Championship, Kobayashi is drawing encouragement from the pace shown, which he believes they will carry through to Malaysia.

“After our good performance in Melbourne we are, of course, very motivated for the next race,” said the Japanese driver.

“The guaranteed higher temperatures in Malaysia, though, will make a big difference. I especially expect the tyre degradation to be significantly higher there, so this might result in different race strategies.

“Another challenge could be if we get a wet race, as this happens quite often in Malaysia.

“But we are now very confident about our performance after what we did in Melbourne. I hope we can continue like that with our pace.

“The circuit is nice with a couple of high speed corners, and the layout offers more overtaking opportunities than we had in Albert Park.

Meanwhile, his rookie team-mate Perez is looking forward to his second F1 grand prix, which takes place at the Sepang circuit, a track he is familiar with.

“I think we have a good car. It is quick enough to aim for points and it was reliable. I hope we can keep this consistency and do more good races.

“Now after I have my debut grand prix weekend behind me I know a lot better what to expect in qualifying and the race, and this gives me even more confidence.

“I know the Sepang circuit from a GP2 Asia race in 2009. It is physically very demanding and also quite technical. Because the circuit is long it is difficult to get a lap right there.”