2006 CHINESE GRAND PRIX – RACE
Shanghai International Circuit
TAKUMA SATO - Car No: 22 (SA06-03)
Position 14 No: of Laps: 55 Fastest Lap Time 1:40.856
SAKON YAMAMOTO - Car No: 23 (SA06-04)
Position 17 No: of Laps: 52 Fastest Lap Time 1:41.847
T-Car SA05-02
Weather Warm, cloudy and humid (84-88%) Air Temperature 22.6-24.6°C
Track Temperature 21.5-24°C
Sakon Yamamoto brought home his SA06 to finish his first
grand prix with the SUPER AGURI F1 TEAM. Team mate Takuma
Sato passed the chequered flag in 14th position giving the
SAF1 Team another double finish. The weather once again played
an integral part this weekend and made for an eventful 2006
Chinese Grand Prix.
Takuma Sato
“It was a fantastic result for us really and indeed
it was a truly exciting race in incredibly difficult conditions
for everybody. I did a lot of communication throughout the
race with my engineer and I think that we chose the right
tyre at the right time. At the beginning of the race I got
held up, but when I got clear air I was then able to push
really hard. At one stage we had a small gearbox related problem,
but we were able to fix it quickly. I think that this was
a great team effort and it was so important for us to have
a good race here in China so that we could carry our good
momentum on to Suzuka.”
Sakon Yamamoto
“It was a really tough race for me because the track
and weather conditions were constantly changing. We made a
decision to change to slick tyres too early one time and I
found the car difficult to handle, but after that I pushed
hard for the rest of the race. This was my first F1 finish
and it feels brilliant. I would like to thank everyone who
has always supported me and, of course, the SAF1 Team boys,
engineers and everyone at the factory. I am now looking forward
to returning to Suzuka with good motivation from my race in
China”
Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal
"I am very happy because we have once again achieved
a two-car finish and Sakon has finished his first F1 race.
Taku's lap time was very good and he drove a solid race in
difficult conditions. The Chinese Grand Prix was very important
to the team as it is just before we travel to Suzuka. Our
car has shown reliability here, which is extremely important
and we have had a very good race today so I am very happy
indeed.”
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