As Formula One takes its summer break, Sauber drivers Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez leave us with a few thoughts before they disappear for their holidays.

Sergio is currently ninth in the championship (47 points), while Kamui ranks tenth (33 points). With 80 points to its tally Sauber is sixth in the constructors' standings.

How would you assess the season so far?
Kamui Kobayashi: "Overall we have done a good job and achieved great things. The team built a very good car with an excellent performance. Since the beginning of the season we have been competitive on most tracks, and this means we can be confident for the remainder of the season. The downside so far has been we definitely missed some opportunities for some more great results. Too often we didn't manage the weekend perfectly. If we can improve there, a lot will be possible."

Sergio Perez: "I had some great moments in the first half of the season. There were the two podiums in Malaysia and Montreal, which, of course, made me very happy. Nevertheless it was also a period with ups and downs because we didn't make the most of every situation."

In which way have you personally improved in 2012 compared to last year?
SP: "Having a lot more experience now compared to my rookie season makes me much more confident in many respects. I think I am a lot better than I was when I entered Formula One. This goes especially for when it comes to making decisions with the team."

KK: "I don't think I have changed a lot personally, but I feel this year we work closer together with the engineers and on a higher level."

What are your targets for the second half of the season?
KK: "On the one hand I want to get my first podium in Formula One, because this is definitely within reach with this car, while on the other we have to focus on our position in the constructors' championship and score points on a regular basis."

SP: "We need to be more efficient and I want to contribute to that. It is not that our performance was not consistent, but we didn't always get the things right and also we have been unlucky sometimes. We have to get everything together and make the most out of what we have. The car is quick and for me my first victory would be a dream come true."