Both Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez are unhappy after the first day of running at the new Circuit of the Americas in preparation for Sunday’s United States Grand Prix, despite both drivers thoroughly enjoying the new track layout. Kamui Kobayashi struggled with the tyres, whereas Sergio Perez struggled with the balance of his car.
With the Circuit of the Americas a completely new circuit, the track surface was incredibly low on grip, thus presenting the drivers with a monumental challenge in learning the layout during the opening two practice sessions on Friday. Many drivers pushed beyond the limits and made minor mistakes as the opening day progressed, however the Sauber duo struggled with both car set-up and getting the Pirelli tyres to work, as they began preparing for qualifying and the race.
Kamui Kobayashi in particular struggled greatly with the Pirelli tyres throughout both practice one and two, as the Japanese driver struggled to get enough heat into the tyres. With the combination of low track temperatures and hard tyre compounds, this procedure was made all the more difficult for a man striving to retain his seat with Sauber for next season.
“The high speed corners of the new circuit are very enjoyable, I really like driving here.” Explained Kamui Kobayashi, “The first session was about getting familiar with the track and waiting for the tarmac to improve for a better grip level. I must say I have big warm up problems with both compounds. It just doesn’t work in qualifying if you need ten laps to get the tyres to work. We will now go and look for solutions.“
Unlike Kamui Kobayashi, team-mate Sergio Perez had no such issues with the tyres during the opening two practice sessions. Instead, the Mexican driver found difficulty with the set-up of his Sauber. Since confirmation of his move to McLaren for 2013, Perez has failed to score a single World Championship, a fact he will unquestionably be striving to alter this weekend at Austin.
“We had a good day in terms of getting all the programme done without any issues.” Said Sergio Perez, “The track is amazing, and I especially like the first sector a lot. I really believe we will see a great race here and I can’t wait to race in front of so many Mexicans. Nevertheless I am not happy with the balance of my car yet, but I’m confident we will manage to improve it.“
With Sergio Perez regarding this race as his home Grand Prix, what with the track so close to Mexico, the 22-year-old will be eager for a competitive result this weekend as his Sauber career draws to a conclusion. Kamui Kobayashi on the other hand has no confirmed contract next season, and will be aiming to impress the Sauber management in the final two races to secure the remaining seat next season alongside Nico Hulkenberg.
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