SAF1 TEAM END OF TEST REPORT, JEREZ – Day 4
Duration of test: 4 days
Driver Day 4: Takuma Sato
Chassis: SA07-05B
No. of Laps: 87
Best Lap Time: 1:21.092
Position: 12th (out of 15 cars)
Weather: Mild and cloudy
Temperatures: Air: min and max: 10-19°C, Track: min and
max: 12-21°C
TOTAL TEST MILEAGE 1390 kilometres
TOTAL TEST LAPS 314
BEST TEAM LAP TIME Anthony Davidson, 1:21.076, day 2
Takuma Sato concluded the last test of 2007 for SUPER AGURI
F1 TEAM in Jerez today. He started the morning with a continuation
of yesterday’s MES control system tuning programme,
which was predominately aimed at improving the various parameters
within the engine control system.
In the afternoon Takuma revisited the 2009 regulation slick
tyres with simulated 2009 downforce levels (which will see
the cars run with approximately 25% less downforce than in
2007/2008). He experimented with different mechanical set-ups
in anticipation of the coming rule changes and finished the
day with a best lap time of 1.21.092.
James Rossiter
“In the morning (day 1) we worked on balance runs after
waiting for the circuit to ‘rubber in’. We worked
on
2009 simulated downforce with the slick tyres and it was
difficult to drive the car at first, with very little downforce,
but the slicks were good. We had to compromise in high speed,
but gained in low speed, so I think that it was a first day
and we completed the full programme.”
Anthony Davidson
“We had another productive day today in sunny Jerez
(day 2). It was good to be back in the car at a circuit I
know well. We worked on driveability on the engine side and
spent time getting used to the car without traction control.
It was a big challenge trying to get close to peak performance
without driver aids, but we made steady progress throughout
the day. We got faster with each new tyre run and I was happy
to end the day with a respectable time on groove tyres.”
Takuma Sato
“It is good to be back in an F1 car as it is my first
test since the Brazilian Grand Prix. I am quite impressed
with the developments that have been made with the MES system
since our last test running it back in July at Spa. It is
very different driving without TC and support systems and
I am pleased with the progress that we have made in driveability
over these past two days and the amount of important data
we have collected. It was my first experience of the 2009
slick tyre – the first time since my Formula 3 days
– and it was a good experience. We have a lot of tuning
to do before we move onto these tyres for racing, but overall
I believe that it has been an extremely productive test.”
Graham Taylor, Sporting Director
“The final test for SUPER AGURI F1 Team went very well
with all our drivers taking to the circuit and helping develop
our understanding of the MES system. We would like to thank
Bridgestone for giving the opportunity to assess the type
of tyre we will be running in 2009. Finally, we would like
to thank the drivers, members of our team, everyone at Honda
and all our supporters for their help and efforts during SUPER
AGURI's second season in Formula One. Merry Christmas to all.”
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