Brazilian expecting F1 to help cash-strapped smaller outfits; Nasr says he had been talking to many teams but Sauber offered best deal
Tuesday 25 November 2014 17:52, UK
Surprise Sauber signing Felipe Nasr is confident that his 2015 move to the struggling team doesn’t represent a risk, with the Brazilian expecting F1 to follow through on promises to help the grid's smaller outfits.
In an out-of-the-blue announcement on the eve of this weekend’s Brazilian GP, Sauber named current Williams reserve and GP2 driver Nasr as fellow new signing Marcus Ericsson’s team-mate in an all-new line-up at the Hinwil outfit.
The Nasr deal will see the 22-year-old’s personal backer Banco do Brasil become a sponsor of the team, at significant financial gain to Sauber at a time when the team are one of a number towards the back of the field fighting for survival.
And with moves afoot to help sure-up such struggling team’s finances with the promise of a so-called 'fighting fund', Nasr believes Sauber, facing the first point-less year in their existence this term, will be stronger in 2015.
“They have had a difficult year but I believe there will be some improvements for the team next year,” he told reporters after taking part in Practice One for Williams in Brazil.
“I think Formula 1 is worried not only with Sauber but all the teams that have been struggling financially and I just feel I’m in the right place to start my career in Formula 1 and I can’t wait for everything to start.”
Asked if he had been given any assurances by the team’s management as to their financial health heading into 2015, the Brazilian replied: “This is always the question. A lot of people will ask that.
“But what comforts me is that Formula 1 is worried with those teams, so something will have to happen.”
Nasr admitted he had talked to “all the other teams that had a seat available” for next season prior to swiftly completing the shock deal with Sauber.
“I knew at the beginning of the week everything was going to happen. It was a surprise for many people but I’m glad it happened and I feel 100% [ready] to take the challenge,” he explained.
“There was a lot of waiting in other teams. It’s not only about having a good car, it’s the whole package, and Sauber seemed to offer the best one.”
Nasr has spent the last three seasons in GP2 and with the Abu Dhabi finale to come this year, he is on course to finish second to new Champion Jolyon Palmer.
The Brazilian has dovetailed his racing season with regular P1 outings for Williams and he believes his F1 experiences this year put him in good stead for his full-time promotion.
“It just made myself a more prepared driver, in all kind of ways. For me running as a reserve driver this year having a few opportunities to drive the car, it all built up for myself to be ready and take this new challenge,” Nasr added.
“So I want to thank Williams for this opportunity and all the experience they provided me with.”
