JUNE 4, 2001

Sauber gain tire advantage for Canada

THE Sauber team could hold an advantage at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, according to Bridgestone tire technical manager Hisao Suganuma.

THE Sauber team could hold an advantage at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, according to Bridgestone tire technical manager Hisao Suganuma.

Sauber tested at the Monza circuit last week and the track is similar to the challenge that will face the team at Montreal this weekend.

All the other Bridgestone runners tested at Magny Cours in preparation for the French Grand Prix, and that could give Sauber a head-start at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit.

"Monza is a similar high-speed track to Montreal, and it gave us some good feedback for Canada," said Suganuma.

"With such hard braking the car's and tires' performance under braking will be a crucial issue.

"The constructions we have for Canada are designed to support the car correctly under braking, maintaining stability as it slows and then through the corner."