2007 Japanese Grand Prix Race Report
Adrian Sutil (car 20, F8-VII/03):
9th 2:01:34.708
Fastest lap: 1:31.891
Sakon Yamamoto (car 21, F8-VII/04):
12th : 2:00:54.187 (+1 lap)
Fastest lap: 1:32.130
The Etihad Aldar Spyker Formula One Team was just 4.5secs
away from scoring its first World Championship point today
at a chaotic, rain-soaked Japanese Grand Prix. Adrian Sutil
again drove a highly impressive race to scythe through the
field from 20th on the grid to 9th at the chequered flag,
passing racing veterans Barrichello, Trulli and Button on
his way. After a long battle with Liuzzi, in which the pair
traded positions several times, he was sadly unable to keep
the advantage and score his and the team's first points. Sakon
Yamamoto had a very successful home Grand Prix, finishing
as the highest classified Japanese driver in 12th position.
The 67-lap race got underway behind the safety car as torrential
rain soaked the 4.5km Fuji Speedway. Sakon took advantage
of the lengthy safety car period to pit for a maximum level
of fuel and tyres on lap 13 and was able to capitalise and
move up the order when racing began at the end of lap 19.
The 25-year-old Japanese driver was up to 11th before his
second stop, and demonstrating a cool composure in only his
fifth race for the team, fought back up the order to claim
a comfortable 12th position, 12 secs ahead of Toyota's Jarno
Trulli.
Adrian's one and only pit stop unfortunately then coincided
with a second safety car period caused by an accident for
Alonso. The delay dropped him down to the tail end of the
field, but he was able to use his knowledge of the Fuji Speedway
to move into 9th by the end of the race. Although missing
scoring a point was ultimately a disappointment after such
a tough race, the top ten finish is nevertheless the team's
highest finish to date.
Adrian Sutil (car 20)
'It was a tough race for everybody, with a lot of water on
the track and long periods behind the safety car. In very
difficult circumstances I think we made some good decisions
and in the end we had the right balance and set up on the
car. We could do a lot of fighting, changing positions quite
a lot, and we were so close to getting that first point, but
finally we ended up in P9. All the same it's a success for
us as we were 14th in Spa and now 9th, so we are getting there.
In special weather conditions such as these today I think
we are very strong.'
Sakon Yamamoto (car 21)
'This was a really hard race, probably the toughest I have
ever had, because the weather conditions made it really difficult
to drive at any kind of speed, even behind the safety car,
and when you were following somebody you couldn't even see
20m in front of you. I think we also should think of the Japanese
fans as they were watching right to the end when it was so
cold and wet! I was so pleased that I could finish my home
Grand Prix in front of so many people and now I want to finish
the next race with an even better result. Also thanks to all
the team members as they really supported me today.'
Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer
'It's a case of mixed emotions for us. We had a very good
day, with a solid performance from both drivers and the team
in very difficult conditions, but it's also disappointing
not to have picked up a point. Once again in wet conditions
we proved that we were on top of the strategy, although we
were unlucky with Adrian in that the second safety car period
fell when he was due to come in and lost us several positions.
We were still able to get some of them back, but it was just
not quite enough. But well done to both drivers; Sakon again
drove a very good race and although we can be happy to finish
in front of the works Honda and Toyota teams, ultimately it's
a disappointment not to have picked up our first point.'
Colin Kolles, team principal and managing director
'We're getting there steadily - 14th in Belgium and now 9th
here - so I think it proves that the investments we have made
and the progress we have taken is finally paying off. Of course
it is disappointing not to have scored our first points today,
but if we keep progressing at the way we have done in the
last three races, I do not think they will be far away. China
cannot come soon enough for us.'
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