2006 GERMAN GRAND PRIX – FREE PRACTICE
Hockenheimring, Hockenheim,
TAKUMA SATO - Car No: 22 (chassis SA06-03)
FP1 Position 15 No: of Laps 14 Best Lap 1:20.102
FP2 Position 26 No: of Laps 8 Best Lap 1:19.365
SAKON YAMAMOTO - Car No: 23 (chassis SA06-04)
FP1 Position 19 No: of Laps 21 Best Lap 1:21.218
FP2 Position 27 No: of Laps 2 Best Lap No timed lap
Weather Warm and dry with rain at start of FP2 Air Temperature
25-28°C Track Temperature 30-42°C
SUPER AGURI F1 TEAM and the two new SA06 race cars made an
encouraging start to the German Grand Prix weekend in Hockenheim
today. Takuma Sato and new SAF1 Team racing team-mate Sakon
Yamamoto completed the majority of their planned testing programmes
during the morning’s free practice session. Rain delayed
the start of the afternoon’s running for most of the
teams’, however when SAF1 Team finally took to the track
a hydraulic problem on both cars unfortunately hindered progress.
Takuma’s running ended just minutes before the chequered
flag, whilst Sakon’s session ended after completing
two laps.
Takuma Sato
“It was a very good initial day with the SA06 for us.
It was really the first test after the shakedown last week
and the car ran well during the first session and also at
the beginning of the second. Unfortunately we had a hydraulic
problem which meant that we were unable to finish the complete
programme for today, but I think it is just a minor problem,
just one of those you always encounter when running a new
car for the first time. The SA06 shows a very good manner
and is performing well, so I am happy with the progress that
we have made today.”
Sakon Yamamoto
“I am obviously disappointed with how my first race
weekend day ended, but I am very happy that I was able to
recognise the SA06’s potential. It is a real progression
from the SA05 and I must thank the team for all their hard
work and for producing a good car for us. This morning was
really a shakedown and we started to work through our programme,
but unfortunately we couldn't try different set-ups during
the afternoon because of a hydraulic problem. I still had
a good feeling from the car, so I'm not worried and am thinking
very positively about tomorrow and my first Qualifying with
the SAF1 Team.”
Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal
"I am reasonably happy with our performance today and
from this weekend I think that our true 2006 season can begin.
Today was really another shakedown test for us and we naturally
had a few minor problems. Taku seems happy with the SA06’s
handling so far and with new tyres maybe we can be even quicker
than we were today - we will see tomorrow. It was a good start
for the SA06 and a good performance by the team for a first
day of a Grand Prix weekend with a new car.”
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