Brazilian rookie Nasr upbeat about Sauber's F1 hopes
Xinhua, March 2, 2015 Adjust font size:
Sauber's Brazilian rookie Felipe Nasr has talked up his team's chances of success in 2015 as he prepares for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 15.
The 22-year-old has been among the most impressive drivers during pre-season testing in Spain over the past 12 days.
On the final day of practice at Barcelona's Montmelo circuit on Sunday, Nasr posted the third-fastest lap time behind Williams driver Valterri Bottas and Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.
"Now I'm starting to get nervous and if it were up to me I'd already be there [in Melbourne]. I can't wait to make my [F1] debut," Nasr told Brazil's Folha de S.Paulo newspaper.
"I have worked really hard to get here and the Melbourne race will be a unique moment and my family."
Nasr joined Sauber in November after acquiring a list of honors that included the 2011 British Formula Three and 2009 Formula BMW Europe titles
And his form alongside Swedish teammate Marcus Ericsson has raised hopes the Swiss-based team can challenge for regular podium places in 2015.
"We're going in the right direction," Nasr said. "Our car is balanced and reliable. I don't think we're too far off the best teams. I think we'll be around the middle of the grid, at least near the beginning of the championship, and I think we can fight for points." Endi