Q & A WITH TAKUMA SATO, SAF1 TEAM DRIVER, CAR 22
Q. Are you happy with the progress that the SAF1
Team has made during the winter preparations for the coming
season?
Takuma Sato: It’s been a long winter test compared
to what we had last year! Technically we are looking good,
but as with everything, we are demanding and there is never
as much time as you would like to prepare. Looking at our
situation right now, I am very happy with the progress that
we have made, with the developments on the car and the team
atmosphere.
Q: ….And with the 2007 car preparations?
TS: They have been very successful. We were able to participate
in the first winter test at the end of November 2006 and I
myself joined the team testing at the end of December and
was able to experience the 2007 Bridgestone Potenza control
tyres for the first time. We made good progress that continued
into the new year and we are very happy with our last test
in Bahrain and our new aero package, so I believe that we
have completed a very good exercise over the winter.
Q. What will F1 be like with only Bridgestone Potenza
tyres in 2007? Will the sport change?
TS: I think that it may change a little, but we shall have
to wait and see. I believe that a strong team is always strong
and so it will not make a huge difference to us. Now that
we have one tyre supplier the situation and conditions will
be the same for every team, but I believe that the racing
may be closer than before.
Q. Who do you think that you will be taking the challenge
to this year?
TS: Whoever is in front of me! Obviously last year was a
big challenge for us and we had no particular main rivals
until the end of season. This year we shall reach a higher
level of competition and hopefully be in the middle of the
grid, so I am looking forward to taking the challenge to whoever
is in front of us.
Q. What is it like working with Anthony again?
TS: Obviously it is great. I have known Anthony for many
years as we raced together in 2001 in British Formula 3 and
as you know we worked together at B.A.R Honda. Anthony has
great experience from testing in F1 and has showed tremendous
speed in the third driver role over the past few years, so
he could bring some very positive things to the team. I also
think that we will enjoy giving each other a little pressure
on the track and it will certainly push team and ourselves
to the absolute limit to achieve the best possible result
we could have.
Q. What are your aims for 2007?
TS: Personally I would like to go to every Grand Prix and
score a point. Realistically I know that this will be very
hard as we would have to beat some of the more experienced
teams on the grid, but I think I have to challenge and this
will be my approach for this year.
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