2006 FRENCH GRAND PRIX – RACE
TAKUMA SATO - Car No: 22 (SA05-05)
Position DNF No: of Laps: 0 Fastest Lap Time No Timed Lap
FRANCK MONTAGNY - Car No: 23 (SA05-02)
Position 16 No: of Laps: 67 Fastest Lap Time 1:20.113
T-Car SA05-01
Weather Very hot and sunny Air Temperature 34-36.5°C
Track Temperature 48-57°C
SUPER AGURI F1 TEAM driver Franck Montagny took the chequered
flag in 16th position for his home race, the 2006 French Grand
Prix, today. It was a disappointing end to the weekend for
Takuma Sato who, after suffering a clutch related problem
at the start of the race, had to retire on the very first
lap.
Franck Montagny
“Well, from my point of view it's a good result because
I finished the race. I had a good start and I could fight
with the others. I cut the chicane only because I had been
overtaken by Monteiro and I couldn't get into the chicane.
So it was a good start in terms of being able to race with
the other cars and after that I just tried to focus on the
tyres and on the car and to give my maximum and see how it
works. And we finished the race. The team and the engineers
did a good job this weekend and I have to thank the SUPER
AGURI F1 TEAM and Aguri Suzuki for giving me the opportunity
to race with them.”
Takuma Sato
“Obviously I'd like to say big thanks to the SA05!
The car has done a great job since the beginning of the season,
but this was not the end to the weekend that we wanted. I
had a clutch problem on the formation lap and so at the start
I really struggled to pull away. When I finally moved everyone
was already in the distance, but I rapidly caught up with
the group on the straight and I overtook one Midland into
the hairpin! But then I couldn't select the gears and there
was nothing else I could do. It is a great shame for the boys
who have worked so hard. We split the strategy between Franck
and me and I should have had a really strong package. I am
very pleased for the team and for Franck that he had a fantastic
race today.”
Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal
“Unfortunately for the team Taku had to retire due
to a clutch problem, but I am very happy that Franck finished
the race not only because the French Grand Prix is very important
to him, but we also needed to cross the finish line again.
Franck’s lap times were very consistent and he made
no mistakes and I think that the team did an extremely good
job all weekend. We must remember that this is still the SA05
which is not a competitive car, but with our new car making
its debut in Germany, we can hope for an improvement in our
results.”
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