Aguri progress is Super says Suzuki
10/04/2006 Super Aguri boss, former F1 racer, Aguri Suzuki, has admitted his pride in his team's achievements thus far, as the Japanese outfit appears to be taking over where Minardi left off, winning the hearts of race fans who support the underdog and who put passion before budget. Suzuki was speaking in the wake of the release of new statistics which show his driver, Takuma Sato, to have completed the most Grand Prix weekend miles thus far this season. Including race, free practice and qualifying laps, Sato has completed 1095.2 miles (1762.6 km), compared to Jenson Button (1074 miles), Fernando Alonso (1070), Ralf Schumacher (1056.3) and Scott Speed (1050.4). Even Yuji Ide makes it into the 'top eight', having completed a total of 1004.8 miles. "I am very proud of what the team has been able to achieve so far," said Suzuki. "For us to compete in Bahrain, the first race of the season, was beyond many people's expectations and we were able to reach this goal. Now for us to have completed more laps than any other team over the first three race weekends is incredible. "I would like to thank Takuma for his solid driving and expertise," he continued, "as well as the whole Super Aguri team for their great teamwork and determination in facing this challenge. We must also thank our partners at Honda for the reliability of our engines and our colleagues at Bridgestone. We will now concentrate on the coming rounds of the championship and on reaching our next goal as soon as possible." As far as race laps completed however, Super Aguri is fifth (280 out of a possible 340), behind Honda (337), Renault (304), BMW (303) and Toro Rosso (302). Sato is the fifth when it comers to the number of race laps completed by drivers, having completed 161 out of a possible 170. This compares to Fernando Alonso (170), Ralf Schumacher and Jenson Button (both 169), and Rubens Barrichello (168). This week, Ide will test for Super Aguri at Barcelona, having admitted following the recent Australian Grand Prix that he is; "far from being competitive compared to the other drivers" and that he wants to improve his driving skills and "learn the next circuit as quickly as possible". Although there is speculation regarding his (race) future with the team, Daniele Audetto has confirmed that Ide will contest the San Marino Grand Prix. Fellow Japanese driver Sakon Yamamoto is the most likely replacement for Ide, the 24-year-old having impressed when driving the third Jordan at Suzuka last year. |
