Sauber’s test and reserve driver Raffaele Marciello will make his first F1 race weekend appearance when he stands in for Felipe Nasr in Friday’s opening practice for the 2015 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix.
It will be Marciello’s first taste of Sauber’s 2015 car. The Italian driver, a GP2 race winner last year and FIA F3 Euro champion in 2013, has previous F1 testing experience with Ferrari and is a member of the Scuderia’s Driver Academy.
“It will be exciting to drive the Sauber C34-Ferrari for the first time,” commented Marciello. “That will also be the same for the Italians, as we have not had an Italian driver in Formula One for quite a few years. I will definitely enjoy the experience, and I am really looking forward to it. I am confident I can do a good job as well as supporting the team in order to find a set-up for the car which suits the track.
“I have never been to Malaysia before, but I know the track quite well from the Ferrari simulator in Maranello, and I am sure I can get to learn it fast once I drive there. As the circuit has some fast corners, I think the car’s downforce will be crucial. Another important aspect will be the weather, as the humidity, along with the temperatures, is quite high. From a driver’s perspective it will be a challenge, but this is the same for everyone. Together with my trainer, I am getting well prepared for this weekend.”
Sauber enjoyed a strong start to their 2015 campaign at the opening round in Australia, with Nasr and team mate Marcus Ericsson finishing fifth and eighth respectively to score the Swiss squad’s first points since 2013.
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