2006 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
SUZUKA - RACE
Jenson Button ended the Japanese Grand Prix in a strong
4th position today, securing five points in the Honda Racing
F1 Team's home race in front of a sell-out crowd at Suzuka.
By contrast, team-mate Rubens Barrichello's race got off
to a frustrating start after he damaged his front wing in
the opening lap melee. He was forced to pit for a new nose
and the unscheduled stop left him fighting his way through
the backmarkers for the early part of the race. During the
next two stints Rubens was able to show his pace and he went
on to take the chequered flag in 12th place.
This result continues the team's run of consecutive points
finishes with Jenson scoring his sixth in succession. Only
Michael Schumacher has scored more points than Jenson since
Hockenheim.
JENSON BUTTON
"I'm reasonably pleased with 4th place here today. We
had a solid race and I think we did the best job possible
given the fight going on for the Championship. We started
a little better and I overtook a Renault off the line. The
tyres came good and we were able to get past the Toyotas.
Again, the team did an amazing job in the pitstops; we've
been right up there since Hockenheim. We just haven't quite
got enough to beat the two Championship contenders right now,
but we will get there, trust me! I'm very sad that we won't
be coming back to Suzuka next season because this feels like
a home Grand Prix for me. For now though, it's nice to get
another 4th place and pick up five more points for myself
and the team."
RUBENS BARRICHELLO
"It was very unfortunate that I had another coming together
with Heidfeld. He closed the door really fast and I had nowhere
else to go so I locked wheels and tapped him. Sadly, I damaged
the front wing. After that I was very fast but this is Suzuka
where it's very difficult to overtake. A disappointing result
for me in front of our home crowd but I still have my own
home race in Brazil to look forward to and hopefully we can
do better there and end the season on a high."
GIL DE FERRAN
Sporting Director
"Jenson made a good start and gained one position before
the first corner. Subsequently, when we saw some of our competitors
stop early, we fuelled Jenson relatively long in the middle
stint to beat them on both speed and strategy, which was very
satisfying. Jenson drove a customary hard-charging and faultless
race and once again extracted the best from the car. Unfortunately,
Rubens damaged his front wing in the first corner and was
playing catch-up from then on.
"We leave Suzuka happy to be in the points once again
but also sad that we will not be returning next season to
a track that has brought so much joy and many exciting moments
over the years. Sadly, we have just one more stop before the
end of the season. We have enjoyed the challenge so much this
year that I wish we could just keep going."
RACE STATS
Drivers Car No. Chassis Race Result
Rubens Barrichello 11 RA106-01 P12 Fastest lap 01:34.071
Jenson Button 12 RA106-05 P4 Fastest lap 01:33.451
Weather Dry and fine
Temperatures Air: 23-25°C Track: 22-29°C
|
