0
Charles Leclerc says he is relishing his new role as a works 'Alfa' driver. The reigning Formula 2 champion has been signed up for 2018 by Sauber, the Swiss team now run by a boss from his junior days, Frederic Vasseur.
"I've known Charles since his karting days," Vasseur told France's Auto Hebdo. "I'm happy because this is the first driver I've had in the junior categories that I now work with in F1."
Vasseur said Leclerc's approach to his Friday duties last year was particular impressive. "He did not miss a single debriefing," he revealed. "I will not mention anyone, but there were others who would have returned to the hotel. All the drivers are fast, but the champions have something else as well."
Sauber is sponsored by the Ferrari-linked Italian carmaker Alfa Romeo this year. "There are so many people telling me 'You will race with Alfa', almost forgetting about Sauber," Leclerc smiled. "But that is just the strength of a great name. Being part of a team with an Italian soul is beautiful," he said.
Vasseur said he is sure Leclerc will shine in 2018, but less certain is the potential of his teammate, the now experienced Swede Marcus Ericsson. But Vasseur told Blick newspaper: "He seldom had good equipment so his chances were limited. But he was good in the last 10 grands prix. He has developed a lot, he is a team player and he gives good feedback."
For the Sauber lineups of the future, however, Vasseur has high hopes. "I have worked with young drivers for 20 years," said the Frenchman. "I am planning a junior academy at Sauber, probably from 2019," he revealed. "But there must be real potential, as with Charles Leclerc."
Vasseur said Sauber's 2018 car will be ready for testing next week. "It will be at the first test in Barcelona," he said. "In the next few days, many parts will arrive and then assembly begins. Like all the teams, we will be working until the last minute."
F2 champion Leclerc, however, told Autosprint: "It will be very difficult for me to replicate my Formula 2 season. Everything was perfect, both from the team and personal point of view. Now everything changes. Formula one is completely different from everything else. There is pressure, but not too much," he said. (GMM)
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
M. Verstappen
C. Sainz jr
C. Leclerc
Bahrain
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
Australia
Albert Park
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
Monaco
Monte Carlo
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Austria
Red Bull Ring
United Kingdom
Silverstone
Hungary
Hungaroring
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
Italy
Monza
Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Brazil
Interlagos
United States of America
Las Vegas Street Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
75,843 comments on Ferrari
10 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Charles Leclerc 113,254 comments on Sauber 5 members have this team as their favourite Tweets about Sauber
Replies (0)
Login to reply