Sauber rookie Gabriel Boltreto feels issues are lastly “clicking” after shifting on to the third quarter for the primary time on the Austrian Grand Prix on Saturday.
Teammate Nico Halkenberg died final after a tricky day at Spielberg, however Boltreto plunged into the ultimate foot of qualifying with a formidable efficiency, incomes a career-high eighth place on the grid.
The Brazilian driver was capable of overtake fellow Formulation One rookie Kimi Antoneri, ultimately two-tenths later than eighth F1 champion Max Verstappen.
Boltreto is considered one of solely three drivers who cannot rating factors this yr, however with confidence from the primary session on Friday, he feels that Austria could possibly be a turning level for his marketing campaign.
“I believe vehicles are very particular to me,” Boltreto mentioned.
“I am experiencing increasingly more vehicles, groups and sequence experiences, and it is only the start, not even half of this season.
“I work very onerous, I do know what I would like from my aspect from the automotive, and I really feel increasingly more comfy with it and know what I would like earlier than the weekend begins.
“I really feel prefer it’s my first weekend that I have been so comfy since FP1. It looks like issues are clicking for me and I am getting in the fitting course.”
Sauber launched an up to date ground design in Spielberg, mixed with a brand new high-downforce rear wing for elevated efficiency.
The brand new package deal performed its position in qualifying, however Boltreto believes his outcomes are decrease as a result of expertise he gained within the opening tenth spherical of the season.
“I really feel like I am extra assured in my automotive,” he mentioned. “Not solely from an improve, however from an understanding with your self and ().
“At first of the season, once you leap right into a automotive, it is mainly a special feeling. It is like each FP1. I do not understand how the automotive behaves, however as you get increasingly more conversant in the automotive, you begin to restrict it early within the weekend, and also you begin working your self in driving and really feel such as you’re heading on this course this week.
Waiting for Sunday, Boltreto mentioned he does not pay a lot consideration to the beginning of the race, however won’t bask in pointless fights with quicker vehicles.
“It (the place of the grid) does not change a lot. My method to the beginning, I attempt to get the very best begin (and) some positions.
“If I am unable to get it, I am going to keep there and attempt to create the perfect race tempo I can do to attain factors tomorrow.”
He added: “Clearly, it does not make sense to struggle individuals who cannot go forward. However I am definitely a racer. I am attempting to get positions early within the race and see what occurs.
“However I am not specializing in overtaking individuals who in all probability know I’ve a greater tempo than me, like Verstappen, as a result of it in all probability simply destroys your tires.
