F1: "Overtaking Will Be Key Feature At Silverstone" - James Key

Overtaking will be more than ever!

James Key, technical director at Sauber, believes that there will be more overtaking than ever at the circuit as the Silverstone circuit is set to use the new start line position and the DRS zone for the F1 British grand prix. In addition, the F1 teams will use the new pit and paddock complex at the track.

The original first turn at Copse now goes midway in the lap, the circuit will have new and fast Abbey chicane as the track’s first corner.

“Based on the experience last year, the new layout looks better for overtaking. So it will be interesting to see how the DRS works for Silverstone,” he said while previewing the British grand prix.

He also expects Pirelli tyres to be a key again in this weekend’s race.

“We expect that the tyres will be key again this weekend. We have the soft and the hard tyre compound. We have to be careful with the hard tyre, because it does require a lot of warm up, although Silverstone should be as a circuit better depending on ambient conditions. With the soft tyre we are happy, it should be right as an option tyre for this circuit.”

Key also said that the team will be working on the tyres and the set up of the car in order to extract its full potential for a ‘one-lap’ pace during qualifying. The team is pushing for some developments around the diffuser and will also test a new rear wing.

Sauber drivers Kobayashi and Perez

Both drivers at Sauber, Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez, have had good memories at the Silverstone. Last year, Kamui finished sixth to achieve best result of the season while Sergio has won there twice in Formula 3 and once in GP2.

Sauber F1 Team this season so far -

Constructor’s Championship – 6th with 27 points

Drivers Championship -

Kamui Kobayashi – 11th with 25 pointsSergio Perez – 16th with 2 points