02/04/2006
NEWS STORY
Following an action-packed Australian Grand Prix, Super Aguri drivers Takuma Sato and Yuji Ide both came home safely to finish the race in 12th and 13th positions respectively. The 57-lap spectacle featured numerous incidents and safety car outings right up to the very end, but the SAF1 Team drivers both drove a solid race despite experiencing a few minor problems of their own.
Takuma Sato: "At the start of the race I was driving side-by-side with many other cars for position and I was able to work my way up to the middle of the pack – it was very exciting and I really enjoyed it. Although the safety car came out three times today it was very good training for us and I am happy that we managed to complete our actions successfully. Unfortunately though I had a problem with my left-front wheel and had to come into the pits towards the end of the race. At the end of the next lap I had another wheel problem, this time with my front-right, and so I had to finish the race in the pitlane. I am a little disappointed that I did not take the chequered flag as the boys had done such a great job today, but it was still a great day for the team."
Yuji Ide: "This is the first time that both Taku and I have finished a race, so I am happy about that. However, I am far from being competitive compared to the other drivers, so I want to improve my driving skills and learn the next circuit as quickly as possible. I will be testing in Barcelona in a week's time, so I will be able to spend more time in the car and learn more of the skills that I need to improve."
Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal: "It was such a dramatic race today. So many things happened, including with our cars, but I am glad to say that we have accomplished our very first team goal which was to have both cars finish the race. Although it is a small one, it is always a good feeling to accomplish your goal. I am sure that it was a difficult race for the drivers and the team, so I am grateful to all of them for their hard work."