Giancarlo Fisichella and Felipe Massa go for SUBARU

General News
13 July 2004

The two SAUBER PETRONAS drivers, Giancarlo Fisichella and Felipe Massa, love SUBARU: while the Brazilian has driven an IMPREZA WRX STi off the circuit from the start of the season, his Italian team-mate goes around with a Legacy Wagon 3.0R. Those two cars were made available by the Groupe Emile Frey that operates SUBARU Switzerland, and partner for the SAUBER PETRONAS team for the past seven years.



For the family man Fisichella, the Legacy Wagon 3.0R is the ideal car: "with my two children, I need a lot of space and flexibility. The Legacy station wagon offers both, together with a comprehensive equipment package and a powerful engine, which makes driving a real pleasure". The Legacy Wagon 3.0R is fitted with a 245-hp three-litre Boxer engine, transmitting its power to all four wheels by a five-speed automatic gearbox. The equipment package includes a navigation system, cruise control, six airbags, ABS, dynamics control, leather outfits, an electric sunroof and an automatic climate control.

Felipe Massa especially values the sporty side. The two-litre turbocharged engine of his IMPREZA WRX STi develops a powerful 265 hp and accelerates the compact saloon from 0 to 100km/h in only 5.5 seconds. A close-ratio six-speed sporty gearbox and AWD with two Suretrac differentials guarantee an optimum power transmission on the road. And Massa, who likes to brake preferably at the last minute, doesn t need to be nervous even before tricky curves: larger Brembo brakes and the Sport ABS system enable an effective speed reduction. The leather equipment with the embroidered Sauber logo and a carbon plate with Peter Sauber's signature create a special atmosphere inside. "SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STi gives a lot of pleasure. The car offers sheer power, excellent brakes and a very sporty suspension" says Massa of his WRX STi.

The partnership between SAUBER PETRONAS and the Groupe Emil Frey has a long tradition as it is now going into its eighth year. EFAG provides the Swiss team with a fleet of cars meeting the high requirements of Formula 1 drivers.

The final practice session for the Russian Grand Prix was called to a halt after the Toro Rosso of Carlos Sainz Jr suffered a heavy accident 35 minutes into the run.

Sainz appeared to lose control under-braking going into turn 13, hit a wall and went straight on into the tec-pro safety barriers. Initial pictures appeared to show the car buried nose-first relatively deep in the protective wall.

Soon after the incident he had been been removed from the car and was taken to hospital in an ambulance. He was seen giving a thumbs-up as he was placed into the vehicle.