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F1 Brazilian GP: Points prove Sauber going in right direction – Kaltenborn

Monisha Kaltenborn has hailed Felipe Nasr's potentially crucial run to ninth place in the Brazilian Grand Prix as Sauber moved ahead of Manor in the fight for tenth in the constructors' standings.

With just one round of the 2016 season remaining, Sauber scored its first points of the season following a determined drive to ninth place by the local driver in treacherous weather conditions.

Made possible by the strategic decision to leave Nasr out on extreme wet tyres during three safety car periods and two red flags, the Brazilian ran as high as fifth as others ahead of slipped off or pitted for intermediate tyres.

Though Nasr would drop back as faster cars came through in the closing stages, his efforts were still rewarded with a top ten finish in ninth having only started 21st.

"It was very tense because you never knew what was going to happen and we didn't want to get involved in anything. For us it was just hanging on in there, being there, and making sure that if anything comes or happens, we are in that race. Manor was taking exactly that kind of approach and they were not far behind. There was pressure from all sides."

Sauber's first points since the 2015 United States Grand Prix, the result crucially moves the team up to tenth in the constructors' standings, putting the financially strapped team in position for a multi-million dollar pay day should rivals Manor fail to score in the Abu Dhabi finale.

The result comes on the back of a run of good form for the team having come close to points in the USA as well. Indeed, while Kaltenborn admits luck played its part in their Brazilian fortunes, she feels it is just reward for its recent efforts.

"We know there's one more race, a lot can happen so there's no need to take it that easy. Yes this is a very important race for us, it proves the direction we are going is right and sometimes you just needed that little bit of luck as well. We did everything right, the driver did a fantastic job and the team was right in their decisions." 

Zdroj: crash.net