Hockenheimring, Hockenheim,
SHAKEDOWN REVIEW AND 2006 GERMAN GRAND PRIX PREVIEW
Sakon Yamamoto and the eagerly anticipated SA06 car will
be making their F1 racing debuts for the SUPER AGURI F1 TEAM
at the German Grand Prix in Hockenheim next week.
Since returning from the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours,
the team has successfully completed the shakedown of the SA06.
Takuma Sato was the first SAF1 Team driver to step behind
the wheel of the new challenger on Wednesday at Silverstone
in chassis SA06-03 whilst Sakon took over the driving duties
in chassis SA06-04 at Santa Pod on Thursday. Both drivers
completed their planned programmes, required laps and kilometres.
The SA06 will finally take to the race track at the 4.574
km-long Hockenheimring circuit. The new car is on average
20 kilogrammes lighter than its predecessor and boasts a completely
new aerodynamics package, aluminium gearbox and striking livery.
The car now features a lower centre of gravity and the rear
suspension has been optimised for efficient use of the team’s
Bridgestone tyres.
Takuma Sato
"It was very exciting for me and the team to shakedown
the SA06 for the first time on Wednesday. It is good to have
this kind of shakedown as we are able to see if there are
any initial installation problems. We were able to solve our
minor issues quickly and we completed our planned programme
for the day, so it was a very good day for the team. The car
felt good, although it is difficult to say how good as the
Stowe circuit is very short compared to a normal race track.
I am excited to be going to the German Grand Prix with a car
that we know will be competitive, so I am very much looking
forward to arriving in Hockenheim next week.”
Sakon Yamamoto
“Our second shakedown on Thursday was another very
good day for the team because we did not encounter any major
problems and completed our testing schedule. I felt that the
car was improving constantly throughout the day so I am really
looking forward to going to Germany next week. Hockenheim
will be my first race with the SAF1 Team and I am, of course,
very excited and appreciate everyone’s hard work. I
am very proud to be racing with the team and will try my best
to improve, step-by-step, for everyone.”
Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal
“I am very happy that we were able to go ahead with
the long-awaited shakedown of the SA06. Although it was later
than originally planned, I felt that it went very well for
a first shakedown. As we have yet to run the car in a race
it is difficult to say this, but I believe that this is the
true start to our 2006 campaign. As the German Grand Prix
will be the debut race for the SA06, it is possible that we
are going to face a few teething problems, but I have every
confidence in the capability of the car and the team. It is
going to be Sakon’s debut race and I believe that his
experience as third driver up to now should help him perform
well in the race. Next weekend in Hockenheim is going to be
like a new beginning for us and I am looking forward to it
very much.”
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