2006 TURKISH GRAND PRIX – PREVIEW
Istanbul Park, Akfirat County, Istanbul
Following the encouraging debut of the team’s new car,
the SA06, in Germany, and an impressive drive by Takuma Sato
at the eventful Hungarian Grand Prix, the SUPER AGURI F1 TEAM
is firmly focused on achieving its main objectives of increased
reliability and a two-car race finish when it arrives in Istanbul
for the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix this week.
The team has been spending the summer break working hard
to ensure that its third SA06 chassis will be ready for the
forthcoming race along with the car’s new aerodynamics
package. SAF1 Team will therefore be welcoming Franck Montagny
back into the driving seat of car No.43 to fulfill his role
as Third Driver for the Friday free practice sessions.
Takuma Sato
“I stayed in Europe for the summer break – chilling
and enjoying spending time with my family. I am extremely
excited about the Turkish Grand Prix because we will have
a further aero update for the SA06 to complete our new car
package. We have not been able to test the car during the
break so we shall have to see how it performs when we reach
Turkey this week. Istanbul Park is one of the most interesting
circuits on the F1 calendar because it has a unique layout
with long, high-speed corners, a challenging technical section
and an undulating track which provides good overtaking opportunities.
The new car package should improve our performance through
the medium to high-speed corners which require efficient aero
dynamics, so I am very much looking forward to the challenge
of the Turkish Grand Prix.”
Sakon Yamamoto
“During the break I returned to Japan and relaxed with
my family and friends. I am excited by the prospect of driving
the SA06 with the new aero package. When the rear suspension
and gearbox package was introduced in Germany I could really
feel the difference. I am confident that the further new additions
will also be a big improvement. It is the first time that
I will visit Turkey and I will prepare for the race carefully.
I look forward to meeting Turkish F1 fans and experiencing
the culture.”
Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal
“I was back in Japan during this summer break getting
involved with the long-running ARTA Junior Kart Summer School
of which I am the founder. The time has passed very quickly
and I very much enjoyed getting involved with the children
and actually participating in a few fun races. Now my focus
is back on F1 and with the new complete version of the SA06
ready, I am looking forward to the Turkish Grand Prix. Istanbul
Park is a tough circuit, but we have waited a long time for
this moment and I believe that the car will perform well."
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