Ericsson happy with P10 despite not having "done a clean lap" in qualifying

Departing Sauber driver Marcus Ericsson has expressed that he's content with his P10 qualifying finish in Russia on Saturday, even though he revealed that he couldn't do a clean lap in Q3.

It was the first time this season that both Sauber drivers made it into Q3, even though that probably was because of Renault and Red Bull not running in Q2. Red Bull are on the receiving end of a grid penalty for engine replacement, making it pointless for them to take qualifying seriously. As for Renault, they opted not to run in Q2 to be in P11 and P12, granting them free choice of tyres. 

"Yesterday in the free practice everything went well, and even in qualifying the same thing happened," Ericsson analyzed to FormulaPassion.

"I have not done a clean lap, but it's a good starting position for tomorrow."

With both Renaults breathing down his neck on Sunday right behind him, Ericsson will have his work cut out for him, but he's confident in the tools which Sauber have given him.

"The car is well-balanced and works well on this track.

"This gives both me and Charles [Leclerc] confidence.

"Yesterday I felt good on the hypersofts, so starting with those tyres makes me quite comfortable."

He'll have to get away quickly from the Renaults at the start, as they'll likely be starting on harder compounds, giving them longer runs before needing to come in. Whether Ericsson can secure some points for Sauber remains to be seen, but it's looking unlikely right now.