The Sauber team is aiming to get the jump on Renault Sport in the constructors’ title race with the introduction of a significant engine upgrade at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.

The Hinwil squad, tied for fourth with Renault in the rankings, will be aiming to conquer the Paris marque again at the quick A-1 ring with increased output from its Petronas V10 following a performance update on the unit’s internals.

"We will be able to maintain a momentum of development with the C21 by introducing a new specification of the Sauber Petronas V10 engine, the Petronas 02 b for the first time," said Willy Rampf, Sauber Technical Director.

Nick Heidfeld, the consistent German who drove well again in Spain to take fourth, said he felt good about the race mindful of the engine enhancements and how well Sauber’s cars have fared at the A-1 ring in the past.

"I’m looking forward to Austria," said the youngster. "It’s a low-grip track and it’s the kind that suits our car. I like it a lot. I have good memories from my best qualifying performance of last season in Austria. This time, I am looking for a good result. I hope it will be possible after the success we had recently in Barcelona."

Massa, who finished fifth in Spain, goes to Zeltweg with prior knowledge of the track. A pleasing thought for the Brazilian, who will be competing in his sixth Grand Prix this weekend.

"I’m feeling really positive after Barcelona, and I know the A1-Ring well from past testing there in my Formula Three days," he said. "I’m looking forward to another strong race."