Valtteri Bottas misplaced nearly 50 seconds at his second cease within the Bahrain GP with a cross-threading subject on the entrance axle.
In final weekend’s Saudi Arabian race Zhou Guanyu was delayed by the same drawback for round 25 seconds when he pitted.
The Chinese language driver was one among solely 4 drivers to not have stopped when the protection automobile got here out, and regardless of having to cope with some cooling points he was heading in the right direction to complete eleventh.
Group consultant Alessandro Alunni Bravi confirmed that the group is engaged on addressing the issue.
“Initially, for me, it is essential to say that was not the error of our mechanics or crew, they’re doing a very good job,” the Italian informed Motorsport.com.
“We all know that we’ve an issue, we’ve a difficulty that has been the identical in Bahrain on Valtteri’s automobile, and this time on Zhou’s automobile.
“So we’ve investigated, and we’re working to repair this drawback as quickly as doable. And we’re revising the elements with a view to not have this drawback once more within the subsequent races.”
Zhou Guanyu, Stake F1 Group Kick Sauber C44 within the pit lane
Picture by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Pictures
In an try to supply faster stops this 12 months the group made modifications, which is able to now be reviewed.
“We now have new gear, we’ve a brand new design of all of the elements,” stated Alunni Bravi. “In fact, there’s something that must be improved.
“And we’re working in all of the areas with a 360 diploma strategy with a view to have a constant pit cease, a fast pit cease, but in addition to not have any type of drawback.
“For us it is essential now as a result of we’ve had this drawback within the final two races. So we can not afford to have a difficulty in the course of the races, as a result of the potential of the automobile is there to combat for the factors.
“And we’ve in fact jeopardised this chance each in Bahrain and in Jeddah due to a difficulty. It is one thing on our aspect that we’ve investigated, and we’re working to repair.”
Racing director Xevi Pujolar agreed that the pit cease subject is a vital activity for the group earlier than the following race in Australia.
“I feel it is clear that also we’re not the place we wish to be,” he stated. “And we have to do some additional modifications for Melbourne. As a result of we’re too fragile, I might say.
“It is nothing fallacious with the crew, with mechanics, they’re doing I might say an inexpensive job. However we had an issue once more. So we simply must now examine and attempt to give you some containment for the following race, simply to be extra sturdy.
“We’re inflicting a cross thread. And it takes time, as a result of we’ve to vary the wheel nut.”
