Nico Hulkenberg's feet are too big for the footwell of the new Sauber C32.

As he began his career with the Swiss team at Jerez last week, the tall German discovered that his racing boots are too big to fit easily on the throttle and brake pedals.

And "The car cannot be rebuilt," Bild newspaper correspondent Nicola Pohl reported.

Hulkenberg confirmed: "We have cut the rubber soles back at the heels to give us some more space."

Tight squeeze aside, the new grey Sauber made an impression on the competition last week.

Asked which car had surprised him the most, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner told Blick newspaper: "The Sauber!

"Just like 2012, they have made a good car again."

(GMM)